@article{d742266586c448dfbdceebf0b884d510,
title = "Exploring the role of peer density in the self-reported oral health outcomes of older adults: A kernel density based approach",
abstract = "Previous research has documented that oral health is inextricably linked with overall health and is an important component of successful aging. Additionally, peer social interactions are known to improve older adults' general well-being by increasing social opportunities and knowledge of local resources. This study examines the relationship between peer density of participants aged 50 and older in the ElderSmile program and self-reported oral health in northern Manhattan. Results from logistic regression models found that higher peer kernel density estimation values are associated with better self-reported oral health. This reinforces the need for place-based health interventions, and provides new evidence of the importance of peer communities for older adults.",
keywords = "Kernel density estimation, Logistic regression, Older adults, Oral health, Social support",
author = "Widener, {Michael J.} and Metcalf, {Sara S.} and Mary Northridge and Bibhas Chakraborty and Marshall, {Stephen M.} and Lamster, {Ira B.}",
note = "Funding Information: The authors thank The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation, and The Jean & Louis Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. for their financial support of the project, “The ElderSmile Dental Network: Delivering Dental Services to the Elderly in Northern Manhattan,” which provided major funding for the educational and screening components of the ElderSmile program. The authors would also like to thank Joni Downs at the University of South Florida for her assistance with the presentation of the formulation and clarification of KDE bandwidths. The authors were supported in the research, analysis, and writing of this paper by the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (grant 1R21DE021187-01 ) through the project, “Leveraging Opportunities to Improve Oral Health in Older Adults.” ",
year = "2012",
month = jul,
doi = "10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.04.004",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "18",
pages = "782--788",
journal = "Health and Place",
issn = "1353-8292",
publisher = "Elsevier Ltd",
number = "4",
}