Oral Health on Sal, Cape Verde: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Sal is one of the ten islands of Cape Verde, a lower-middle-income country in Africa. Local reports suggest poor oral health among residents, but no scientific data exists. This study aimed to assess oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Sal's dentulous inhabitants, identify risk factors associated with oral health, and explore correlations between oral health and OHRQoL in adults.

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among dentulous Sal residents. Final-year dental students from the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Faculty of Dentistry in Amsterdam, performed duplicate oral health examinations. Outcomes included caries experience (dmft/DMFT), consequences of untreated caries (pufa/PUFA), and periodontal health (DPSI; in adults only). Data on brushing frequency, toothbrush ownership, toothpaste availability, dental visits, dental insurance, and tobacco use (adults only) were collected. Adults completed the OHIP-14 questionnaire (OHRQoL). Descriptive statistics summarized characteristics; multivariable regressions assessed associations.

A total of 1,371 dentulous residents participated (609 children aged 1-17 years; 762 adults aged 18-89 years). Caries prevalence was 87.5% and pufa/PUFA 52.2%. Mean dmft/DMFT was 3.7 ± 3.2 (children) and 7.5 ± 6.2 (adults). 63.1% had DPSI maximum-scores ≥3+ (periodontal disease). Toothbrush ownership was high (>96%), access to toothpaste (<90%) and dental insurance was limited (children 63%; adults 46%). Dental insurance was associated with lower dmft/DMFT (p = .019) and lower pufa/PUFA (p = .005). Higher DMFT, PUFA, and severe periodontal disease was associated with poorer OHRQoL.

Oral health among Sal's residents is poor, with a high disease burden and limited access to care. Improving preventive strategies and access to dental services is important to reduce disease prevalence and enhance quality of life.