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Prevalence and geographic distribution of edentulism among older G hanaians
Author(s) -
Hewlett Sandra A.,
CalysTagoe Benedict N.L.,
Yawson Alfred E.,
DakoGyeke Phyllis,
Nakua Emmanuel,
Folson Gloria,
Baddo Akosua N.,
Mensah George,
Minicuci Nadia,
Kowal Paul,
Biritwum Richard B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12075
Subject(s) - edentulism , marital status , demography , logistic regression , medicine , oral health , residence , disadvantaged , gerontology , population , population ageing , geography , environmental health , dentistry , sociology , political science , law
Objectives 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 G hana, its burden may increase; however, there is no nationwide information on edentulism in G hana. Focusing on adults 50 years and older, this study assessed the prevalence of edentulism among older G hanaians and its distribution across the country. Methods Secondary analysis of WHO 's S tudy on global AGEing and adult health ( SAGE ) W ave 1 in G hana was conducted using self‐reported edentulism as the dependent variable.Results 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 W estern R egion (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 B rong A hafo ( OR = 3.138), C entral ( OR = 2.172), E astern ( OR = 2.257), or V olta regions ( OR = 3.333) was negatively associated with edentulism. Conclusion Edentulism is unequally distributed across G hana. 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.