Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007–2021)

Abstract

Background: This study explored the association between working hours and preventive oral health behaviors. Methods: In total, 48,599 workers (22,992 females) were included from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2021). Weekly working hours were self-reported. The following three preventive oral health behaviors were set as outcomes: participation in annual dental check-ups; adherence to the recommended toothbrushing frequency (≥twice a day); and use of interdental cleaning devices. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression. Results: In male workers, the adjusted OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and each outcome was 0.84 (0.77–0.92) for dental check-ups, 0.82 (0.72–0.94) for toothbrushing ≥twice a day, and 0.83 (0.76–0.92) for utilization of interdental cleaning device when compared to 35–40 h/week. In female workers, the adjusted OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and each outcome was 0.79 (0.70–0.89) for dental check-ups, 0.88 (0.70–1.11) for toothbrushing ≥twice a day, and 0.80 (0.71–0.90) for utilization of interdental cleaning device when compared to 35–40 h/week. Additionally, low socio-economic status, such as low educational attainment, low income level, and blue-collar occupations, were major risk factors associated with non-adherence to preventive oral health behaviors in both male and female workers. Conclusions: Our study suggests that individuals who work long hours are more likely to exhibit undesirable oral health behaviors.

Keywords

• dental public health
• health behaviors
• health-related behaviors
• lifestyles
• oral hygiene
• overwork
• working time