SOCIAL COHESION AND ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG U.S. OLDER CHINESE ADULTS

This study examined the relationship between social cohesion (i.e., sense of community and neighborhood cohesion) and self-reported number of oral health problems and further investigated the potential moderating role of cognitive function in such a relationship among U.S. older Chinese adults. Data came from baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago between 2011 and 2013 (N = 3,157). Stepwise negative binomial regression models with interaction terms were used. Individuals with a stronger sense of community had 1% less risk of having oral health problems (RR = .99; 95% CI = .98, .99; p < .001). Individuals experiencing a stronger neighborhood cohesion had a 11% reduction in risk of having oral health problems (RR = .89; 95% CI = .86, .92; p < .001). To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals’ perception and actual integration with their neighborhood and communities.