Abstract:
Background: Oral health surveys aid in estimating the oral health of a population and provide a projection for future
oral health care needs. We report the procedures and rationale of a survey carried out to assess the oral health status
and risk factors for oral disease among adults in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana. The objective was to provide
prevalence estimates on dental diseases, oral health behaviour and risk factors, and to establish baseline epidemiological
data on the population’s oral health for further research.
Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study of adults aged 25 years and above. A random, stratified
two-stage sampling method was used to select participants from rural and urban communities in three types of districts
(Metropolitan, Municipal, Ordinary). A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic
characteristics, oral health behaviours and risk factors for oral disease. Anthropometric data and a full-mouth
clinical examination was carried out including: soft tissue assessment, tooth count, prosthodontic status, dental caries
assessment and periodontal assessment.
Results: A total of 729 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 43.9 years (SD 14.6). Majority 425
(61.0%) were females. Though the metropolitan districts had more dental clinics and personnel, along with better
health insurance coverage, they had a higher prevalence of missing teeth, retained roots, severe periodontitis and
poorer oral health coverage. The findings also show some significant differences in disease prevalence, within the different
localities and districts.
Conclusions: Availability and access to oral health services is not the most important determinant of good oral
health outcomes in this region. We recommend exploring socio-behavioral and cultural factors as well. This study
provides district level data to inform policy and guide further research.
