Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-rated Oral Health among a National Population-based Sample of Adults in Sudan: Results of the 2016 STEPS Survey

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence and correlates of self-rated oral health (SROH) among adults in a national population-based survey in Sudan.
Materials and Methods: Nationally representative data were analysed from the cross-sectional 2016 Sudan STEPS survey. In all, 7722 18- to 69-year-old individuals (median age 31 years) were assessed with questions on SROH, physical measurements, and medical conditions.
Results: The prevalence of poor SROH was 8.0%, with 12.4% among females and 4.4% among males. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, ages 50-69 years, higher household income, urban residence, pain in the teeth/mouth, impaired Oral Health Related Quality of Life, dental visit, having overweight or obesity and elevated total cholesterol were positively associated with poor SROH, and male sex, primary or less education and having 20 or more natural teeth were negatively associated with poor SROH. In addition, in the unadjusted analysis, having dentures, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or heart attack were positively associated with SROH, and engaging in moderate or high physical activity were negatively associated with poor SROH.
Conclusions: Almost one in ten participants reported poor SROH. Several factors associated with poor SROH were found that can aid in designing programmes to improve SROH in Sudan.