Prevalence and correlates of perceived oral malodor among adolescents in Temeke District, Dar Es Salaam

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of perceived oral malodor and its correlates in terms of self assessed oral health status and reported health behaviors (oral hygiene practice, dental attendance, tobacco use and alcohol consumption) among adolescents in secondary schools in Temeke district, Dar es Salaam. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were used. The sample consisted of adolescents (n= 400) 13 years old and above attending secondary schools in Temeke district. Eight schools were selected randomly from the sampling frame of all schools in the district (N=63). Self-administered questionnaires used to collect information from the adolescents included questions on socio-demographic details; perceived oral malodor; self rated oral health status and oral health related behavior (dental attendance, brushing, smoking and alcohol consumption). Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 13.0 .Chi-square and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Results: Seventy two percents of the adolescents perceived oral malodor. More boys (62%) than girls (51%) rated their oral health to be poor. Almost all adolescents (97.5%) reported to brush their teeth; tongue brushing was 62% and 76% for boys and girls respectively. The percentage of adolescents who never attended to a dentist was 57% and 54% for boys and girls, respectively. Bleeding gums on brushing was reported by 64% of boys while in girls the percentage was 63%. Tobacco use was 23% and 16% for boys and girls, respectively and alcohol was consumed by 48% of boys and 31% of girls. Unadjusted logistic regressions revealed that subjects who perceived oral malodor were more likely to report having poor oral health status (OR=1.5; CL=1.1-2.3) and bleeding gums during brushing (OR=1.8; CL=1.1-2.3). Regarding oral health related behaviors, tongue brushing (OR=0.5; CI=0.3-0.7), and alcohol consumption (OR=0.6; CI=0.4-0.9) did not vary in the expected direction as perceived oral malodor. Smoking habit (OR=0.7; CI=0.4-1.2) did not show a significant correlation with perceived oral malodor among adolescents in the selected schools of Temeke district. Conclusion: Oral malodor is prevalent among adolescents in Temeke district in Dar es Salaam. Information about perceived oral malodor and the factors associated with it might help in planning effective strategies to promote oral health and general health among this group of population