Abstract:
Purpose: To determine the oral health status and its associated factors among the youth in Igembe sub-county, Meru County.
Methodology: Data was collected through a questionnaire which was adopted from the WHO Oral Survey Handbook. Oral diagnosis was done by two dental examiners. The World Oral Health assessment form was also used. Data was analyzed using SPSS window version 25 and Epi Info. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze categorical data. Inferential statistics by use of Chi-square test were used to determine the interactions between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Control of confounders was done using logistic regression models. Data was presented inform of tables, charts, frequencies and percentages.
Findings: After calculation of the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), it was revealed that majority, 80% of the respondents have a poor oral health status. The prevalence of dental caries among the study respondents was very high with the majority (85%) of the respondents having lost their teeth due to a dental problem. The prevalence of periodontal disease among the respondents was high with most of them diagnosed with plaque, dental calculus and gum bleeding on dental probing. This current health situation is of major public health significance and needs urgent attention.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The recommendations of this study were therefore useful in promoting oral health among the youth in Meru County and also useful in identifying oral health risk factors. The study would also assist the Meru County government in identifying measures to deal with the high dental caries in the region. The study will also contribute to the achievement of the two of the big four agenda, that is Universal health coverage and Employment opportunities. Finally it is anticipated that this study will help fill gaps in this area and may prompt other researchers to undertake similar studies in other regions.
