Prevalence and determinants of oral health conditions and treatment needs among slum and non-slum urban residents: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

Oral diseases constitute a neglected epidemic in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). An understanding of its distribution and severity in different settings can aid the planning of preventive and therapeutic services. This study assessed the oral health conditions, risk factors, and treatment needs among adult residents in the slum and compared findings with non-slum urban residents in Ibadan, Nigeria. The Multistage sampling was used to select adult (≥18-years) residents from a slum and a non-slum urban sites. Information sought from participants included dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and the use of dental services. Oral examinations were performed in line with WHO guidelines. Associations were examined using logistic regression. Mediation analysis was undertaken using generalized structural equation modeling. The sample comprised 678 slum and 679 non-slum residents. Median age in slum vs non-slum was 45 (IQR:32–50) versus 38 (IQR:29–50) years. Male: female ratio was 1:2 in both sites. Prevalence of oral diseases (slum vs non-slum sites): dental caries (27% vs 23%), gingival bleeding (75% vs 53%) and periodontal pocket (23% vs 16%). The odds of having dental caries were 21% higher for the slum dwellers compared to non-slum residents (OR = 1.21, 95% CI:0.94 to 1.56); and 50% higher for periodontal pocket (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.13 to 1.98), after adjusting for age and sex. There was little evidence that tooth cleaning frequency mediated the relationship between place of residence and caries (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.87 to 1.03 [indirect effect], 38% mediated) or periodontal pocket (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.86 to 1.04, 15% mediated). Thirty-five percent and 27% of residents in the slum and non-slum sites respectively required the “prompt and urgent” levels of treatment need. Oral diseases prevalence in both settings are high and the prevalence was generally higher in the slum with correspondingly higher levels of prompt and urgent treatment needs. Participants may benefit from targeted therapeutic and health promotion intervention services.

Using traditional rhyme (folk song) as a tool for oral hygiene promotion (UTRATOHP) among children in rural communities in Nigeria: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire (S1 File) will be used for data collection. The questionnaire will be developed from the review of related local literature, [12,24,26] and the oral examination will be based on the WHO Oral Health Surveys: Basic methods, 5 th Edition. [27].…”

“…[10][11][12] There is an unequal burden of oral diseases affecting those in the rural areas more than those in the urban communities, [13] and more among those living in slums than non-slum areas. [12] Most oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal problems are preventable. [9] Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases that negatively impact the oral health-related quality of life of those affected.…”

“…[9] Most epidemiological studies have observed significant relationships between socioeconomic status and periodontal disease. [10][11][12][13] Low income and low education contribute to poor periodontal disease status. [10][11][12] There is an unequal burden of oral diseases affecting those in the rural areas more than those in the urban communities, [13] and more among those living in slums than non-slum areas.…”

“…[10][11][12][13] Low income and low education contribute to poor periodontal disease status. [10][11][12] There is an unequal burden of oral diseases affecting those in the rural areas more than those in the urban communities, [13] and more among those living in slums than non-slum areas. [12] Most oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal problems are preventable.…”

Prevalence of Dental Disease and Risk to Oral Health in Oke-Ogun Rural Communities

“…High incidence of plaque and calculus was also found among 66% of respondents in a survey done in Kwara State of Nigeria, with children aged 12 reporting higher incidence of plaque and gingivitis than the adult population while 13% incidence of dental caries was reported as the lowest oral condition in the state [7]. In a study done in Kano, a northern city in Nigeria, 49.8% of children and adults reported dental caries as the most common challenge [8], however, Osuh et al reported a higher prevalence of oral diseases among residents in slums compared with non-slum urban residents in Ibadan, a city in western Nigeria [9]. Oral health disease is on the increase in Nigeria and preventive strategy must be prepared after a comprehensive study on the spread of oral diseases is done.…”