ASSESSING THE PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF GINGIVITIS AMONG STUDENTS ATTENDING OFUOMA SECONDARY SCHOOLS, UGHELLI, DELAT STATE
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ASSESSING THE PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF GINGIVITIS AMONG STUDENTS ATTENDING OFUOMA SECONDARY SCHOOLS, UGHELLI, DELAT STATE
Abstract
The study examined the prevalence and contributing factors of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of students affected by gingivitis and to identify the major risk factors influencing its occurrence. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted, involving 200 students selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires, oral examinations, and clinical dental assessments, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The findings revealed that the prevalence of gingivitis among the students was high, with a significant proportion showing varying degrees of gum inflammation and bleeding. The major contributing factors identified included poor oral hygiene practices, irregular tooth brushing, consumption of sugary foods, lack of professional dental care, and low awareness of oral health. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between gingivitis prevalence and variables such as age, oral hygiene habits, and parental education level (p < 0.05).
The study concludes that gingivitis remains a common and preventable oral health problem among secondary school students in Ughelli. It emphasizes the need for enhanced oral health education programs, periodic school-based dental screening, and promotion of effective tooth brushing and dietary habits to reduce the burden of gingivitis.
Keywords: Gingivitis, oral health, prevalence, risk factors, students, Ofuoma Secondary School, Delta State.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Oral health is an essential component of general health and well-being, as it affects an individual’s ability to eat, speak, socialize, and maintain a positive self-image (Petersen, 2016). Among the various oral health problems, gingivitis—a mild but reversible form of periodontal disease—remains one of the most prevalent conditions affecting both children and adults worldwide (Albandar, 2018). Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissues, often caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and poor oral hygiene (Kinane & Stathopoulou, 2017).
In developing countries, including Nigeria, gingivitis represents a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene practices, limited access to dental care, and low awareness of oral health contribute to the high prevalence of gingival diseases in these populations (Arowojolu, Dosumu, & Lawal, 2020). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), nearly 50% of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries experience some form of gingival inflammation, primarily due to preventable factors.
The importance of maintaining healthy gingiva extends beyond aesthetics; it is crucial for preventing progression to more severe periodontal diseases such as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss (Chapple et al., 2018). Adolescents, particularly those in secondary schools, are at increased risk due to changing dietary habits, hormonal fluctuations, and negligence of proper oral hygiene (Lang et al., 2015). These factors make it vital to assess gingivitis and its contributory factors among secondary school students.
In Delta State, especially in rural and semi-urban areas such as Ofuoma, oral health is often overlooked in public health programs. Limited dental facilities, low parental awareness, and poor health education further compound the problem (Eboh & Akpoyibo, 2019). It is therefore necessary to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools, Ughelli, Delta State, to provide a foundation for effective oral health promotion strategies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Gingivitis is one of the most common oral diseases globally, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly in developing regions like Nigeria (Taiwo & Aderinokun, 2017). Despite being preventable, many adolescents in secondary schools exhibit signs of gingival inflammation such as bleeding gums, swelling, and bad breath, primarily due to poor oral hygiene and lack of awareness (Arowojolu et al., 2020).
In Ofuoma community, anecdotal observations and preliminary health surveys indicate that many secondary school students exhibit symptoms of gum diseases, which may be linked to poor oral hygiene practices, irregular tooth brushing, consumption of sugary foods, and limited access to professional dental care. However, there is insufficient empirical data on the actual prevalence of gingivitis among students in the area.
Without proper assessment, it becomes difficult for health authorities and educators to implement appropriate preventive or intervention programs. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by assessing the prevalence and contributing factors of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools, Ughelli, Delta State.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools, Ughelli, Delta State.
The specific objectives are to:
Determine the prevalence of gingivitis among students of Ofuoma Secondary Schools.
Identify the oral hygiene practices associated with gingivitis among the students.
Examine the dietary and behavioral factors contributing to the occurrence of gingivitis.
Assess the level of awareness of oral health and preventive practices among the students.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will be guided by the following research questions:
What is the prevalence of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools?
What oral hygiene practices are associated with gingivitis among these students?
What dietary and behavioral factors contribute to the development of gingivitis among the students?
What is the level of awareness and knowledge of oral health among the students?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will provide empirical data on the prevalence of gingivitis among secondary school students in Ofuoma, which can guide public health policy and intervention programs in Delta State. Secondly, the findings will help school administrators and teachers to implement effective oral health education programs aimed at promoting good oral hygiene among students.
Furthermore, the study will contribute to existing literature on adolescent oral health in Nigeria, providing a baseline for future research in other communities. It will also serve as a reference material for policymakers, dental health practitioners, and researchers interested in improving oral health outcomes among school-aged populations (Petersen, 2016; Chapple et al., 2018).
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on assessing the prevalence and contributing factors of gingivitis among students attending Ofuoma Secondary Schools, Ughelli, Delta State. The study covers oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and awareness of oral health among students. It is limited to students in Junior and Senior Secondary classes, and data will be obtained through questionnaires and clinical oral examination.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Gingivitis: A mild and reversible inflammation of the gums caused primarily by the accumulation of dental plaque and poor oral hygiene.
Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or condition at a given time.
Contributing Factors: Behaviors or conditions such as poor oral hygiene, diet, and lack of awareness that increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis.
Oral Hygiene: Practices undertaken to keep the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy, including tooth brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
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