Chewing ability and associated factors in a Sudanese population

Area of Science:

• Oral Health and Epidemiology
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Self-reported chewing ability is a crucial indicator of oral function.
• Understanding factors associated with impaired chewing is vital for public health interventions in adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of self-reported chewing ability in Sudanese adults.
• To identify factors associated with impaired oral function in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1,888 adults (≥16 years) in Khartoum State.
• Assessment of subjective chewing ability through interviews on chewing complaints and perceived difficulty with common foods.
• Statistical analyses (Pearson and multivariate) to identify associations between chewing ability and participant characteristics.

Main Results:

• 33.5% of subjects reported chewing complaints; 15.2-33.4% experienced difficulty with hard foods.
• Higher likelihood of chewing complaints was linked to dry mouth, <20 teeth, tooth decay, poor self-rated oral health, and higher oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) scores.
• Perceived difficulty chewing certain foods was associated with <20 teeth, poor general health, and higher OHRQoL.

Conclusions:

• Impaired chewing ability is highly prevalent among Sudanese adults.
• Addressing dry mouth, tooth loss, and decay is crucial for improving oral function and OHRQoL.
• Interventions targeting these factors may reduce dietary omissions and enhance overall well-being.