Prevalence and geographic distribution of edentulism among older Ghanaians. (6th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hewlett, Sandra A.; Calys‐Tagoe, Benedict N.L.; Yawson, Alfred E.; Dako‐Gyeke, Phyllis; Nakua, Emmanuel; Folson, Gloria; Baddo, Akosua N.; Mensah, George; Minicuci, Nadia; Kowal, Paul; Biritwum, Richard B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health dentistry. Volume 75:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2014-10-06
• Subjects: Dental public health -- Periodicals; 362.1976
• DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4006

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jphd12075-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>Edentulism has important health implications for aging individuals and is used as an indicator of the oral health of a population. Its distribution is unequal within populations, with the greatest burden on disadvantaged and socially marginalized populations. With an increasing older adult population in Ghana, its burden may increase; however, there is no nationwide information on edentulism in Ghana. Focusing on adults 50 years and older, this study assessed the prevalence of edentulism among older Ghanaians and its distribution across the country.</p> </sec> <sec id="jphd12075-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Secondary analysis of WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 in Ghana was conducted using self‐reported edentulism as the dependent variable.</p> </sec> <sec id="jphd12075-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The overall prevalence was 2.8%, varying by sex (men had lower rates; OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47‐0.97); by location, being more prevalent in urban areas (3.6%) and the Western Region (4.7%); by education levels (rates were higher among those with no formal education; OR = 1.626, 95% CI = 1.111‐2.380); and by marital status (those living without a partner had higher rates; OR = 1.980, 95% CI =1.366‐2.870). On multivariate logistic regression, the variables positively associated with edentulism were older age (OR = 0.945) and urban residence (OR = 0.582). Living in the Brong Ahafo (OR = 3.138), Central (OR = 2.172), Eastern (OR = 2.257), or Volta regions (OR = 3.333) was negatively associated with edentulism.</p> </sec> <sec id="jphd12075-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Edentulism is unequally distributed across Ghana. Future aged cohorts are likely to follow the same patterns of geographic and social disadvantage if needed interventions are not carried out. This study provides nationwide data to assist service planning.</p> </sec> </abstract>