Background: Oral ulcerations/sores, irrespective of the aetiology, have a significant negative effect on oral health-related quality of life. Yet, only limited information is available on the burden of oral ulcerations in South Africa.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and correlates of oral ulceration (OU) among South African adults.
Methods: This secondary data analysis included a nationally representative sample of South Africans, 15 years and older, who participated in the 2003/2004 South African demographic and health survey (SADHS; n=8115). Information was obtained by trained interviewers using a previously validated questionnaire based on the WHO Stepwise questionnaire for surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Information obtained included respondents' demographic characteristics, alcohol use, past and current general and oral health status, dietary intake, and history of active and passive smoking. Taking into account, the multistage sampling procedure used in the SADHS, statistical analysis included chi-square tests, independent-sample t-test and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression.
Main outcome measure: Reporting having/ having had oral ulcer/sores in the mouth within the six months preceding the day of the survey.
Results: Overall, for all South African adults, the prevalence of OU was 1100 per 100 000 people (95% CI; 845-1421). Multivariate analyses suggested that adjusted odds of OU were greatest for those who report having had gum problems (OR = 4.98; 95% CI 2.53-9.80), those who reported currently diagnosed with arthritis (OR= 3.95; 2.23-6.98), women (OR = 2.03; 95%CI 1.12-3.58) and those exposed to passive smoking (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.23-5.01). Those who were categorised as problem drinkers or alcoholics on a CAGE scale had the greatest risk of OU (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.16-4.08) compared to non-drinkers.
Conclusions: This study establishes the prevalence of OU among South African adults and demonstrates independent epidemiological association with arthritis and lifestyle factors, such as excessive drinking and passive smoking.