Predictors of self-rated oral health in Canadian Indigenous adults

Social determinants of self-reported oral health among Sámi in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of poor self-reported oral health and to identify socio-demographic, socio-economic and cultural-related risk factors associated with poor oral health among Sámi in Sweden.

METHODS

A Sámi sample frame was constructed drawing from three pre-existing registers. All identified persons aged 18-84 were invited to participate in the study during February-May 2021. Among the 9249 invitations, 3779 answered the survey. The frequencies of the independent variables in terms of socio-economic, socio-demographic and cultural-related factors as well as the outcome, self-reported oral health, were calculated first. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated to assess the relationship between the independent variables and the outcome.

RESULTS

Overall, 32.5% of the participants reported a poor oral health with a higher prevalence among men compared to women. Among the socio-demographic factors, being old (PR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.59-2.51), unmarried (PR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03-1.33) and divorced or widow-er (PR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.46) were statistically associated to poor self-reported oral health. Among the socio-economic factors, a low education level (PR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.29-1.89), belonging to the poorest quintile (PR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.35-1.96), and experiencing difficulties to make ends meet several times during the last 12 months (PR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.51-1.99) were statistically significant related to poor oral health.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-reported oral health among Sámi in Sweden appears to be worse than that of the general Swedish population. Several socio-economic and socio-demographic factors were found to be strongly associated with poor self-reported oral health. Targeted interventions addressing these social determinants are needed to reduce inequalities in oral health among the Sámi population.

Characteristics of Self-Rated Oral Health among Syrian Refugee Parents in Ontario

Background

Canada has been hosting Syrian refugees since early 2015. Almost half of the Syrian refugee population lives in Ontario, with dental health being at the top of the list of important immediate needs. The objective of the study was to evaluate self-rated oral health and its associated factors among Syrian refugee parents residing in Ontario.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study where 540 Syrian refugee parents, residing in Ontario and with at least one child less than 18 years of age, were interviewed. Information about self-rated oral health was collected based on the question "In general, how would you rate the health of your teeth and mouth?" with answers ranging from 1 representing "excellent" and 5 representing "very poor." Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent relationship between each of the sociodemographic-, migration-, health-, dental-related factors, and self-rated oral health.

Results

The overall prevalence of poor and very poor self-rated oral health was 43.5%. The results showed that the presence of dental health insurance, private sponsorship, improved physical and mental health, and regular visits to the dentist were factors related to improved oral health. Discussion. To achieve better oral health outcomes among refugee populations, including Syrian refugees, efforts should be focused on improving dental care and dental insurance for vulnerable populations.

Poor Self-Rated Oral Health Status and Associated Factors Amongst Adults in Algeria

BACKGROUND

Understanding the proportion and correlates of self-rated oral health (SROH) can assist in prioritising interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of poor SROH and associated factors in a national community survey amongst adults in Algeria.

METHODS

This World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPS cross-sectional survey in Algeria in 2016 and 2017 included 6989 people (18-69 years; median age, 37 years) selected by multistage cluster sampling. The assessment included questionnaire information, physical measures, and biochemistry tests. The measures included questions on SROH, oral conditions, oral health behaviour, general health behaviour, and measures of health status.

RESULTS

The sample included 6989 people aged 18 to 69 years. Of the total sample, 17.1% had removable dentures, 35.5% had 0 to 19 natural teeth, 43.9% had dental pain in the past year, 40.5% had impaired oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), 26.9% cleaned their teeth 2 times/d or more, 79.6% used toothpaste, and 41.2% had visited a dentist in the past year. The prevalence of poor SROH was 37.3%. In the final logistic regression model, older age (45-69 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.65), having removable dentures (AOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14-1.87), dental pain (AOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.82-2.57), impaired OHRQoL (AOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.26-3.20), current smokeless tobacco use (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12-1.89), and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (AOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.26-3.20) increased the odds of poor SROH. Men (AOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65-0.90), having 20 or more teeth (AOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.28-0.42), twice or more a day teeth cleaning (AOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86), and using toothpaste (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55-0.82) were protective against poor SROH.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults in Algeria reported a high prevalence of poor SROH, and several associated factors (sociodemographic, oral conditions, oral and general health-compromising behaviour) were found that can guide in oral health promotion strategies in Algeria.

Key Challenges for Indigenous Peoples of Canada in terms of Oral Health Provision and Utilization: A Scoping Review

Background

The oral health of Indigenous peoples in Canada is lacking compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. This scoping assessment aimed to investigate the obstacles of providing and using oral healthcare among Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Methods

The scoping review took place between December 15, 2021 and January 10, 2022. Five key databases were examined: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and PROQUEST. The data were analyzed using NVIVO software to facilitate understanding of the major themes, subthemes, and codes provided.

Results

Seven major themes and eighteen subthemes were identified as impacting the oral health provision and utilization of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The major themes are individual characteristics, affordability, availability, accessibility, accommodation, acceptability, and public or government policy. Thus, to improve the oral health of the Indigenous peoples in Canada, an integrated approach is required to address these obstacles.

Conclusions

To address the oral health disparities among Indigenous peoples in Canada, policymakers should adopt an integrated approach.