Clinical Significance
This study is the first to use standardized data and definitions to specifically investigate common risk factor patterns of edentulism in China, India, Ghana, and
Although the disability adjusted life-years (DALYs) for complete tooth loss (edentulism) have decreased worldwide, the profile of edentulism differs between and within countries. In particular, the evidence of oral health, as seen in edentulism rates, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. Another worldwide trend is the increase in the number of people age 65 years and older. Between 2015 and 2050, it is expected that the annual increase in this population will be 27.1 million.
The data were taken from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 (2007-2010). The countries covered were China, Ghana, India, and South Africa. The approach to analysis used the common risk factor approach (CRFA), which addresses risk factors shared with NCDs within the context of the social and economic environment. The goal was to provide reliable standardized nationally representative epidemiological data and processes that can be used by
A total of 25,179 adults age 50 years or older was studied. Most came from China (11,692), followed by India (6409), Ghana (4093), and South Africa (2985). Overall, 49.8% were age 50 to 59 years, about 5% were age 80+ years, and 58% lived in rural areas.
The prevalence of edentulism ranged from 15.3% in India to 2.9% in Ghana. Overall in these countries, the prevalence was 10.9%, but there were significant differences between countries except for China at 8.9% and South Africa at 8.7%.
Women were
China and India had different edentulism profiles than Ghana and South Africa. In addition, there were distinct country-level differences in the most common risk factors associated with edentulism. The analysis for each country revealed insights that are not obtained when the analysis of multiple countries is done. Clinical Significance This study is the first to use standardized data and definitions to specifically investigate common risk factor patterns of edentulism in China, India, Ghana, and
Kailembo A, Preet R, Williams JS: Common risk factors and edentulism in adults, aged 50 years and over, in China, Ghana, India and South Africa: results from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE). BMC Oral Health 17:29, 2017
Reprints available from A Kailembo, Elite Dental Clinic, 6th Floor, Oasis Office Complex, Plot No. 14/15, Haile Selassie Rd, PO Box 38394, Masaki, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; e-mail: [email protected]