Objectives This study examined the psychosocial mediators that most effectively mediate the socioeconomic status (SES)-based differences in oral health (OH) among urban-dwelling older adults.Methods A representative sample of individuals aged ≥65 years living in two areas with different residential SES in Tokyo produced 739 effective participants. OH was based on the total score of subjective sense of health, number of remaining teeth, and oral function. SES was evaluated by education and income. Based on the socioecological model, mediators were assessed using self-esteem, social support, and depression.Results Based on the multiple mediation analysis, no significant effects were observed for specific psychosocial factors. However, the overall psychosocial factors showed significant effects as the mediating factor between income and OH. The mediating effect of overall psychosocial factors was not significant regarding years of education and oral health.Conclusion A hybrid of life-stage preventive activities and overall reduction of psychosocial risk factors may eliminate the differences in OH by SES.
Keywords: older individuals living in urban areas; oral health; psychological factors; socioeconomic status.