Academic Research Journal on Health Information Management

Vol. 7(2), pp. 53-58, April 2026

ISSN: 2734-2190

https://doi.org/10.14662/arjhim2026100

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Socio-Demographic and Behavioural Determinants of Oral Health Problems among Elderly People in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

 

¹Nkwocha, Fortune Ifenyinwa, ²Ojule, Inumanye I., ³Ogbonna Vivian, ⁴Isabu, Miriam Solomon, and 5Adeogun, Timilehin Israel

 

¹Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: fortune_nkwocha@uniport.edu.ng ²Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: inumanye.ojule@uniport.edu.ng ³Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: Vivian_ogbonna@uniport.edu.ng ⁴Department of Child Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: Miriam_isabu@uniport.edu.ng 5Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Nigeria. Email: adeogun.timilehin@lcu.edu.ng Corresponding Author Nkwocha, Fortune Ifenyinwa, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: fortunenkwocha@email.com & fortune_nkwocha@uniport.edu.ng  

*Corresponding author’s E-mail: fortunenkwocha@email.com & fortune_nkwocha@uniport.edu.ng  

Accepted 15 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Oral health disparities among elderly populations are shaped by socio-demographic and behavioural factors. Evidence on determinants specific to Port Harcourt remains limited. This study examined the socio-demographic and behavioural factors associated with oral health problems among elderly residents of Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHLGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 420 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above using a four-stage multistage sampling technique across five communities. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. Chi-square tests, crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Significant socio-demographic determinants included age (70+ years: 73.6% vs 46.8%; p=0.000), education (100% in those with no formal education vs 50.6%; p=0.000), income (71.3% for ≤N50,000/month vs 44.1%; p=0.000), employment (60.7% unemployed vs 39.3%; p=0.000), and rural residence (100% vs 50.6%; p=0.000). Significant behavioural risk factors included illicit drug use (OR=1.688; p=0.009), teeth grinding (OR=1.816; p=0.020), reactive care-seeking (OR=0.140; p=0.000), and high sugar consumption (OR=0.235; p=0.000). Conclusion: Oral health problems among the elderly in Port Harcourt are significantly shaped by socio-demographic disadvantage and modifiable behavioural risk factors. Targeted public health interventions addressing educational gaps, economic barriers, and preventive care are urgently needed.

 

Keywords: oral health, elderly, socio-demographic determinants, behavioural risk factors, Nigeria

Paper type: research