Self-perception Regarding Oral Health Status in Relation with Socioeconomic Determinants: A Study from Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Achieving satisfactory oral health is a subjective state; despite improvement and advances in health, disparities in oral health still occurs. Identification of determinant of health is an initial step to know insights of certain locality. Aim: To determine the perception of oral health status amongst respondent of Hail region based on gender, age, level of education and income. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2019 to August 2019. The sample (n=412) was selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Components of oral health survey questionnaire designed by World Health Organisation, was used as study tool to measure the perception of respondent’s. Data were displayed as number and percentage. Chi square test was used to measured the association of different oral health determinants. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Females {84 (62%)} perceived a good oral health status than males {52 (38%)} with p=0.013. The perception of 18-28 years old participants was 33%, and 49 years old and more was 12%, i.e., with increasing age, perception toward oral health status was decreasing. University level of education participants (46%) perceived an excellent oral health. Majority of participants 163 (39%) with high income group perceived a good oral health. The education level and amount of income were also found to be statistically associated in determining respondent’s perception towards their oral health status. Conclusion: Perception of oral health found to be associated with the age, gender, level of education and income. Female gender, higher level of education and good income contributes to good oral health perception while increasing age inversely affects the oral health perception.

Keywords

• health determinants
• oral health
• perception
• saudi arabia socioeconomic status