title: Factors associated with mouthguard use and discontinuation among rugby players in Malaysia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess rugby players' preferences for using a mouthguard and to determine the factors contributing to the use and discontinuation of a mouthguard.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in two rugby tournaments from 2009 to 2010. Samples were selected by convenience sampling. Participants were required to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which inquired about awareness and pattern of mouthguard use, as well as reasons if discontinued.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Completed questionnaires were returned by 456 participants, with an estimated response rate of 77.8%. All participants were male (mean age = 22.73, SD = 3.98). Median duration of playing was 6 years, and median frequency was 6 h per week. Overall mouthguard use was low (31.1%, n = 142), especially for custom-fitted mouthguard (1.8%, n = 8), followed by stock mouthguard (7.7%, n = 35). Boil-and-bite type was most commonly used (21.1%, n = 96). Of those who wore a mouthguard before, only 28% continued using it. The discontinuation rate for each type was as follows: stock, 57.1% (P = 0.032); boil-and-bite, 80.2% (P = 0.002); and custom, 37.5% (P = 0.04). Age was a significant factor for mouthguard use (P = 0.007, OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03-1.17). Breathing disturbance (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.17-9.72) and general discomfort (OR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.68-8.20) were significant factors in discontinuing mouthguard use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of mouthguard was low among rugby players. Custom-made was the least worn type, possibly due to limited availability. The use of mouthguard increased slightly with age but was discouraged by breathing interference and general discomfort. Therefore, preventive effort should focus on early education and reinforcement, as well as on the improvement of wearability and accessibility.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Amy Kia Cheen
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.forename: Dalia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.forename: Wan Ahmad
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Wan Noorina
authors.forename: Selina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khoo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005538:Football; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009064:Mouth Protectors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012119:Respiration; D057566:Self Report; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D019876:Sports Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: athletic injuries; dental trauma; mouth protectors; mouthguard; preventive dentistry