Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with adverse oral function outcomes, yet its association with oral function remains underexplored. This study aims to analyze the association between OSA and oral function problems, and whether these relationships are more pronounced among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Methods: Data were derived from the 2022–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), including 6349 participants aged 40 and above. OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Oral function was evaluated through chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, and dental pain. Complex sample logistic regression was performed, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates. Stratified analyses were conducted to examine whether the association differed across socioeconomic groups. Result: High OSA risk was significantly associated with chewing discomfort (OR: 1.365, 95% CI: 1.121–1.662), speaking discomfort (OR: 1.534, 95% CI: 1.126–2.082), and dental pain (OR: 1.198, 95% CI: 1.006–1.431). Stratified analyses showed stronger associations in low education or income groups. For instance, those in the lowest income group were over five times more likely to report speaking discomfort (OR = 5.207, 95% CI: 2.365–11.462) than those in the highest. Conclusions: OSA risk is significantly associated with impaired oral function, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. These findings underscore the need for integrated public health approaches that address both sleep and oral health disparities.

Purpose: This study was performed to examine the associations of fall experiences with cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) disability among older adults. Methods: Using raw data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, a total of 9,816 individuals aged 65 years or older were included in the analysis. Independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses were conducted for statistical evaluation. Additionally, subgroup regression analyses were conducted to identify socially vulnerable groups according to age group, education level, and caregiving expenses. Results: The analysis showed that cognitive function tended to be lower in individuals with fall experience. (β=-0.44, p=.026), and the odds of ADL disability were higher among individuals with fall experience than among those without (odds ratio [OR]=2.04, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.63~2.54). In addition, subgroup analyses showed that cognitive function was lower among individuals with fall experience in the ≥85 years group (β=-1.30, p=.020) and among those with education at elementary school or below (β=-0.88, p=.001). The odds of ADL disability among those with fall experience (vs. no fall experience) were significantly elevated in the 65~74 age group (OR=2.80; 95% CI=1.99~3.94) and the ≥85 age group (OR=2.59; 95% CI=1.38~4.84). Higher odds were also observed among those with higher education (OR=4.95; 95% CI=1.19~20.60) and those with no caregiving expenses (OR=2.06; 95% CI=1.63~2.60). Conclusion: These findings provide important foundational data for both policy development and academic research. They highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to fall prevention and underscore its importance in enhancing the quality of life for the older adults.