Evaluation of the use of Traditional and Conventional Oral Hygiene and Disease Preventive Methods in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Oral diseases being a preventable oral condition and a non-communicable disease could be of little concern but about 3 billion people suffer from these conditions worldwide. This study seeks to evaluate the means and methods of oral hygiene and disease prevention in the city of Douala by adults. The population of Douala is chosen due to the fact Douala is a metropolitan city and most representative of the Cameroonian population in which similar studies have not been carried out. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out with random sampling of 498 participants. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the objectives which included identifying the means and methods used, the behaviors of the population in relation to oral disease prevention, the reasons for the behaviors and the methods and used as well as determining their satisfaction in oral disease prevention using the latter means, methods and behaviors. The data inputted, organized and analyzed using Microsoft excel 2016 and SPSS version 26. In addition to percentages, chi square and regression analyses were carried out and represented for various variables in the questionnaire. Results: It was found out that the population of Douala generally had an above average satisfaction in oral disease prevention due to the use of more conventional means and methods like toothbrushes (94.78%) and bicarbonate mouthwash (27.4%) while the main traditional substance was the neem extract (18.75%), and green tea extracts (16.67%). Their main reasons for using these methods were effectiveness (38.55%), low cost (20.88) and availability (20.08%) with a significant relationship between traditional methods and low cost. Majority of the population used both conventional and traditional methods (55.16%). The studied population show better oral hygiene and disease prevention with a higher level of education and greater monthly allowance. Conclusion: After this evaluation, proper oral healthcare in disease prevention produces satisfaction with oral hygiene at least twice a day with toothbrush and bicarbonate mouthwash, carrying out routine dental visits, participating in sensitization which are directly related to education and finances. In the same light, traditional methods include chew stick, extracts like green tea and neem.