Development and validation of a single latent variable self-reported periodontal disease scale based on the disease's common signs and symptoms in Saudi adults.

Background: Many studies attempted to evaluate and improve the accuracy of self-reported periodontal disease questionnaire to provide a feasible tool for screening the disease. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a self-reported periodontal disease screening scale (SRPDSS) in Saudi adults and to identify the association of periodontal disease with sociodemographic determinants and oral health behaviors.

Methods: The data was collected digitally from Saudi adults (≥ 18 years) in Riyadh city using a questionnaire that inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors and self-reported periodontal disease. The SRPDSS was developed using items from the literature or suggested by this study authors. The scale was validated for its construct validity and psychometric properties.

Results: A total of 559 participants met the eligibility criteria out of 894 invited individuals. The mean (SD) age was 31.7 (12.7) and 68.5% of the participants were women. The scale items were selected based on common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and the scale was confirmed to have a total of 10 items and a single latent variable using confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency using Cronbach alpha was acceptable = 0.75 and the test re-test reliability using Spearman's correlation coefficient was excellent = 0.93. The final scale's goodness of fit was acceptable as indicated by the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.078, upper bound of the RMSEA 90% CI = 0.093, and the Standardized Root Mean Square (SRMR) = 0.059. Using linear regression analysis, the self-reported periodontal disease had statistically significant associations with age > 30 years; coefficient: 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22, 2.70), lower parents' income; coefficient: 1.5, (95% CI: 0.58, 2.42), lower parents' education; coefficient: 1.1, (95% CI: 0.28. 1.92), regular dental visits; coefficient: -1.79 (95% CI: -2.70, -0.89), regular toothbrushing; coefficient: -1.51 (95% CI: -2.32, -0.70).

Conclusions: This study developed and validated a 10-item self-reported periodontal disease screening tool based on its signs and symptoms in Saudi adults. The self-reported periodontal disease was significantly associated with older age, lower parents' socioeconomic status, irregular brushing, and lack of regular dental visits.