Authors: Balogun A.O, Ipeaiyeda O.J, Olagba S.O, Taiwo J.O
Background: There are wide disparities in health status of different population groups due to factors including social, education, employment status, income level, gender and settlement (urban or rural). The rural population is underserved in terms of health delivery including oral health delivery.
Aim: To describe inequalities in oral health in a selected state of a third world Country (Nigeria).
Design: A comparative study involving rural and urban areas in Oyo state. Three rural areas (Egbeda, Akinyele, and Akufo) and 3 urban areas (Mokola, Akobo and Oluyole ) were randomly selected from a list of rural and urban communities in Oyo state. Oral health survey was conducted and examination carried out with a dental mirror and CPITN probe under natural light. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Level of significance set at P ≤ 0.005.
Results: A total of 1227 patients aged (1-89) years participated in the study. Mean age was 39.9 ± 19.65. Majority were adults, about half (53%) were females, 65% were seen in the urban areas. Many (67.4%) of the urban dwellers had asymptomatic presentation, while 58.1% of the rural dwellers had dental pain. There is association between the OHI-S index and the type of settlement: Rural had poorer oral hygiene than urban settlement (p=0.001). Also, CAL was associated with the type of settlement: periodontal disease was more prevalent in the rural than urban settlement (p=0.001). Caries experience of both settlements was similar (p=0.69).
Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease were more prevalent in the rural areas.
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