The Role of Socioeconomic Class on Oral Healthcare Practices and Oral Health Status of Secondary School Students in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Secondary school students are at a crucial stage in their life where decisions on oral health transit from the role of parents/guardians to their sole responsibility. Understanding factors that influence their oral healthcare practices is of paramount importance. Socioeconomic class (SEC) has been suggested to have a varied effect on oral health.Objective: To determine the effect of SEC on the oral healthcare practices and oral health status of secondary school students Methods: The research was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Information collected via a self-administered questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, SEC, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, oral healthcare utilization and oral health perception. Results: A total of 370 students with mean age 15.0+1.44 participated in the study. SEC distribution was low class 32%, middle class 55%; high class 13%. There were significant associations between high SEC and twice-daily tooth brushing (p<0.05), frequent change of toothbrush (p<0.05), use of dental floss (p<0.05), consumption of carbonated drinks (p<0.05), low oral hygiene index score (p<0.05), high caries experience (p<0.005) and high oral healthcare utilization (p<0.05). Conclusion: Higher SEC is associated with better oral hygiene and oral hygiene practices, poorer dietary habits and higher caries experience.