Adolescents' sense of coherence and smoking as longitudinal predictors of self-reported gingivitis.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to determine the influence of sense of coherence (SOC), a personal stress-coping resource, and smoking on the self-reported gingival health of a cohort of rural black South African adolescents.


METHODS
This 18-month study involved a three-wave survey of a representative sample of eighth graders from 11 randomly selected high schools in the Limpopo province, South Africa (n=970). Using a generalized estimating equation model, we examined the correlates of recent gingivitis, defined as self-reporting frequent gingival bleeding (GB). Explanatory variables included baseline socio-economic status, age, gender, plaque levels, toothbrushing frequency, tobacco use status and SOC levels.


RESULTS
Among our sample, 74.6% reported experiencing gingivitis at some point during follow-up, while 41.9% reported frequent GB at the last survey. Factors that were positively associated with recent gingivitis include living in poor households [odds ratio (OR)=1.49; p<0.01], having higher plaque levels (OR=1.18; p=0.04) and smoking regularly (OR=1.57; p=0.04). Self-reporting gingivitis was negatively associated with being female (OR=0.76; p=0.02) and having a higher SOC (OR=0.96; p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent smoking and SOC levels are independent predictors of self-reported gingivitis. Therefore, in addition to plaque control, smoking prevention and the teaching of stress-coping skills may be important interventions for promoting adolescents' gingival health.
Ayo-Yusuf
Olalekan A
OA
Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oral and Dental Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. lekan.ayoyusuf@up.ac.za
Reddy
Priscilla S
PS
van den Borne
Bart W
BW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult