In:
Journal of Public Health Dentistry, Wiley, Vol. 75, No. 2 ( 2015-03), p. 126-133
Abstract:
This study sought to: a) estimate the frequency of poor self‐rated oral health as assessed by a summary measure; b) compare frequency according to sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological distress factors; and (3) determine if psychological distress was associated with poor self‐rated oral health after adjusting for confounding. Methods Data were from a convenience sample of Indigenous Australian adults ( n = 289) residing in Australia's Northern Territory. Poor self‐rated oral health was defined as reported experience of toothache, poor dental appearance or food avoidance in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate socio‐demographic, behavioral, and psychological distress associations with poor self‐rated oral health (SROH). Effects were quantified as odds ratios (OR). Results The frequency of poor SROH was 73.7 percent. High psychological distress, measured by a Kessler‐6 score ≥8, was experienced by 33.9 percent of participants. Poor SROH was associated with high levels of psychological distress, being older, being female, and usually visiting a dentist because of a problem. In the multivariable model, factors that were significantly associated with poor SROH after adjustment for other covariates included having a high level of psychological distress (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.25–6.00), being female (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03–4.78), and usually visiting a dentist because of a problem (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.89–6.76). Conclusions Poor self‐rated oral health and high levels of psychological distress were both highly frequent among this vulnerable population. Psychological distress was significantly associated with poor self‐rated oral health after adjustment for confounding.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-4006
,
1752-7325
DOI:
10.1111/jphd.2015.75.issue-2
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267887-6
