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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Shared Social Determinants and Aggregated Risk Behaviours Associated with Self-Rated Oral Health Among Schoolchildren
Saba Kassim1, Mosa A Shubayr2, Samah Mourad3
1Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Dental and periodontal diseases share common social determinants and oral health-risk behaviours, yet these factors have not been thoroughly investigated across different contexts.
Aim:
This study aimed to examine the association between aggregated common oral health-risk behaviours and their determinants with self-rated dental and gingival health in Jazan, Saudi Arabia (SA).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among a non-probability convenience sample of 687 school students in Jazan, SA. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing behaviours related to oral hygiene, dental visits, dietary habits (sugar and fruit consumption), tobacco use, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regression modelling was performed to assess the determinants and aggregated behaviours associated with self-rated poor dental and gingival health.
Results:
The median age of participating students was 15 (interquartile range: 2) years, and 67% were female. The aggregate of oral health-risk behaviours score was significantly associated with self-rated poor dental and gingival health, with each additional risk behavior associated with higher odds of poor dental health (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17-1.42) and poor gingival health (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23-1.47). Rural residence was also significantly associated with both outcomes, including poor dental health (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.56-3.83) and poor gingival health (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.37-2.99).
Conclusion:
This study found a significant association between aggregated oral health-related risk behaviours and poor self-rated dental and gingival health among schoolchildren in Jazan region, SA. Notably, area of residence emerged as a key shared social determinant, with students living in rural areas disproportionately impacted. These findings support the shared role of oral health-risk behaviours and social factors in the development of both dental and gingival diseases.
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