Oral Health Risk Factors and Readiness to Change

Objectives: To determine exposure to known oral health risk factors and readiness to change behaviour in a Western Cape population. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 194 subjects to record exposure to fluoride, sugar, alcohol, tobacco and betal nut. Readiness to change was measured by means of an established psychometric scale of 1-9 (where 1 indicates not at all ready to change and 9 indicates a willingness to make a strong commitment to change behaviour). Results: About 50% of children had at least 4 to 5 intakes of sugar per day. 55% of 16 year olds used more than 2 teaspoons of sugar in their hot drinks. Over a quarter (26%) of 16 year olds admitted to smoking and about a third of adults reported that they smoked and consumed alcohol (31% and 38% respectively). These adverse risk behaviours appear to begin in adolescence as none of the 12-year-old children admitted a smoking or drinking habit. Of the 16 year olds who smoked, 50% indicated a willingness to stop this behaviour. In adults 89% of smokers indicated a willingness to stop smoking. 40%, 28% and 30% of 12 year olds, 16 year olds and adults respectively indicated a willingness to change sugar consumption habits. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking in adolescence is alarming, but their willingness to change is encouraging. A surprisingly high number of adults are willing to give up smoking. Very high levels of sugar exposure are almost matched by the universal exposure to fluoride, which may reduce the prevalence of dental caries in this group.

This pilot study was funded by the NIH, grant number R21 DEO13704-01.