Oral Health Status and Its Associated Factors among the Youth in Igembe Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Oral health is an essential and integral part of overall health throughout human life. The mouth is the mirror that reflects human’s health and well-being. Poor oral health has negative consequences on individuals’ behaviours, which may affect an individual’s performance at school, home and work as well as the individual’s concentration and self-esteem. Individuals cannot enjoy their food and are shy to laugh and are unable to socialize. Sometimes they feel neglected and inferior to other healthy people Holt et al, (2013). Oral health problems are usually the first signs of other bodily health issues such as infectious diseases, immune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, stroke, lung cancer and mouth cancer Barzel et al, (2013). Therefore the target of this study is to determine the oral health status and its associated factors among the youth in Igembe sub-county, Meru County. This study was a cross-sectional study where quantitative data was collected. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Data was collected through a questionnaire which was adopted from the WHO Oral Survey Handbook. Oral diagnosis was done by two dental examiners. The World Oral Health assessment form was also used. Data was analyzed using SPSS window version 25 and Epi Info. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze categorical data. Inferential statistics by use of Chi-square test were used to determine the interactions between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Control of confounders was done using logistic regression models. Data was presented inform of tables, charts, frequencies and percentages. The response rate was 100%. In the study findings it was revealed that the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was 62% and 47% respectively. The factors which had a significant association (p<0.05) with the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases included; age, gender, level of education, income, health care insurance, tobacco smoking, alcoholism and Miraa chewing. After calculation of the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), it was revealed that majority, 80% of the respondents have a poor oral health status. Therefore, it was recommended, the County Government in collaboration with the Public Health department should create awareness among the youths on the importance of regular dental check-ups as part of preventive measures and teaching good habit on oral hygiene.