Socio-demographics, Oral Health Behavior, and Physical Activity: Factors in Caries Experience among 19–59 Years Old Adults in a Malaysian Population
Abstract: Dental caries is one
of the common diseases that are attributed by many factors. Many from the adult
population are afflicted with dental caries. This study aimed to determine the
predictors of developing dental caries among adults. Three hundred and thirty
four adults participated in this study. Information gathered includes their
socio-demographic backgrounds, oral health behaviour, physical activity level,
body mass index, body fat percentages, visceral fat level, and dental missing
filled extracted teeth (DMFX) index. All standard protocols were observed and
DMFX was examined using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
Prevalence of dental caries was 87.4%, inclusive of 61.3% of female respondents
with caries experience. Most of the study participants were overweight. Only
the consumption of high sugar food (p=0.03) was found to be connected between
dental caries and oral health behaviours. Regression analysis (p<0.001)
showed that older age (p<0.001), regular visits to dental clinic per year
(p=0.012), lower education level (p=0.025), and lower physical activity
(p=0.008) were significant factors in developing dental caries among this study
population. Older aged adults, frequent appointment with the dentist, lower
education in oral health, and lower physical activity were possible factors for
dental caries presence.
Keywords: adults; BMI; dental
caries; oral health behavior; physical activity
Penulis: Dhivyalosini
Maykanathan, Satvinder Kaur
Kode Jurnal: jpkedokterangg150375
