THE IMPACT OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE ON ORAL HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examined the awareness of the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health among University of Port Harcourt students. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from a sample of 133 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and hypotheses were tested using t-tests. The aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness of the students regarding how their diet and lifestyle choices affect their oral health, and to assess the relationship between this awareness and their oral health practices. The findings indicated that a significant portion of the students were aware of the effects of diet and lifestyle on oral health, with many acknowledging the link between poor dietary habits and oral health problems. However, despite this awareness, some students continued to engage in habits that negatively impacted their oral health, such as the frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods. The analysis revealed a positive relationship between students' awareness of diet and lifestyle's impact on oral health and their oral health practices, with those demonstrating higher awareness showing better oral health practices, such as more frequent tooth brushing and flossing. In conclusion, the study highlighted that while students were generally aware of the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining good oral health, there was a noticeable gap between awareness and actual health behaviors. The study recommended further educational efforts to close this gap and encourage students to adopt healthier dietary habits and consistent oral health practices.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Oral health is a crucial aspect of general health, contributing significantly to an individual's overall well-being and quality of life. The mouth serves as a gateway to the body and is integral to various functions, including eating, speaking, and socializing. However, despite its significance, oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath are widespread and often preventable. These diseases are not merely a result of poor oral health practices like inadequate brushing and flossing; they are also heavily influenced by diet and lifestyle choices. In particular, factors such as dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption have been identified as critical determinants of oral health outcomes (Davies, Davies, & Ellwood, 2023). The role of these lifestyle factors in oral health is especially pertinent to university students, a group often exposed to high-stress environments, irregular eating patterns, and unhealthy behaviors (Folayan et al., 2023).

A balanced and nutritious diet, coupled with healthy lifestyle choices, plays a fundamental role in preventing oral health problems. The consumption of sugary foods and beverages, which are common in students’ diets, is directly associated with an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease (Al-Hussaini et al., 2023). Similarly, habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake have long been linked to an array of oral health issues, including gum disease, tooth discoloration, and even oral cancer (Tubaishat et al., 2023). Unfortunately, these negative behaviors are often prevalent among students, who are frequently exposed to social pressures, stress, and irregular routines that can lead to unhealthy dietary choices and lifestyle habits. These habits, in turn, contribute to a significant burden of oral diseases among this population.

The University of Port Harcourt, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, has a diverse student body with varied cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. This diversity can result in different attitudes and behaviors toward oral health, with some students being more aware of the importance of oral health than others. The prevalence of unhealthy dietary practices, including the frequent consumption of fast foods, sugary snacks, and soft drinks, along with smoking and alcohol use, suggests that a significant portion of the student population may be at risk for oral health problems (Petersen, 2023). While general health awareness has increased in many communities, the specific impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health among university students remains underexplored, especially in Nigerian universities like the University of Port Harcourt.

Research on the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and oral health outcomes among university students has shown mixed results across different regions. For instance, studies in the United States and Europe have demonstrated a strong association between poor dietary habits and the incidence of dental caries and gum disease (Akpata, 2024). Similar studies in other parts of the world, including Asia and the Middle East, have corroborated these findings, highlighting the global nature of oral health challenges among students (Rimondini et al., 2021). However, there is a notable scarcity of research focusing on Nigerian university students and their specific awareness of the role that diet and lifestyle choices play in their oral health. This gap in knowledge presents an opportunity for further exploration into the specific oral health behaviors, attitudes, and practices among Nigerian students, particularly those at the University of Port Harcourt.

In Nigeria, oral health awareness has been a significant concern, especially in the context of limited public health education and resources dedicated to preventive oral care (Udoye & Aguwa, 2023). While some studies have assessed the general awareness of oral health among Nigerians, few have focused on university students, who represent a key demographic for promoting healthy behaviors that can prevent the onset of oral diseases. A recent study by Azodo et al. (2022) emphasized the lack of awareness among Nigerian students regarding the preventive measures they can adopt to maintain oral health, such as regular brushing, proper diet, and avoiding harmful habits. Moreover, research conducted by Al-Ansari, Honkala, and Honkala (2023) pointed out that the younger population, including university students, often lacks sufficient knowledge about the long-term effects of their dietary and lifestyle choices on their oral health.

At the University of Port Harcourt, there is an evident need to assess the awareness levels of students concerning the links between their diet, lifestyle, and oral health. Many students, particularly in this region of Nigeria, may not fully appreciate how diet and lifestyle factors impact their oral health, leading to poor oral health practices and subsequent health complications (Braimoh & Udeabor, 2022). In particular, the high prevalence of sugar-laden foods and soft drinks among university students, coupled with inadequate oral care routines, makes this group vulnerable to oral diseases (Azodo et al., 2020).

This study aims to address this gap by examining the awareness of students at the University of Port Harcourt regarding the influence of diet and lifestyle on their oral health. By focusing on this student population, the research seeks to highlight the potential determinants of oral health behaviors and provide insights into how universities can better educate and engage students in adopting healthier habits that promote long-term oral health. As noted by Reisine (2021), improving oral health awareness and behaviors among young adults is critical, not only for preventing dental diseases but also for enhancing their overall quality of life.

The significance of this research extends beyond the University of Port Harcourt to the broader Nigerian context. The findings of this study could inform public health initiatives aimed at improving oral health literacy and behaviors among Nigerian students. Understanding the dietary and lifestyle patterns that influence oral health is a necessary first step in designing targeted interventions that can mitigate the rising prevalence of oral diseases in Nigeria (Dagli et al., 2022). Moreover, the study will contribute to the existing literature on the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health, particularly in developing countries where access to oral health services and education is often limited.

In conclusion, the background to this study underscores the importance of oral health as a crucial component of overall health and well-being. Given the significant impact that diet and lifestyle have on oral health outcomes, it is essential to understand how these factors influence the oral health behaviors of students at the University of Port Harcourt. With limited research on this topic within the Nigerian context, this study will provide valuable insights into the awareness levels of students regarding the relationship between their dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and oral health. The findings could serve as a foundation for future interventions aimed at promoting better oral health practices among university students in Nigeria and beyond.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, and its importance cannot be overemphasized, particularly among university students who are at a stage in life where lifestyle choices are often established. Research has shown that diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption significantly affect oral health outcomes (Davies et al., 2023; Akpata, 2024). However, despite the wealth of research in other parts of the world, there is a paucity of studies that specifically address the awareness of Nigerian university students regarding the relationship between their diet, lifestyle, and oral health. This gap in research leaves a significant void in understanding the specific behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of students in Nigerian institutions, particularly at the University of Port Harcourt.

Many studies have been conducted globally, showing a strong connection between poor dietary habits, unhealthy lifestyles, and oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath (Tubaishat et al., 2023; Al-Hussaini et al., 2023). In developed countries, research on university students has highlighted the need for better oral health education and behavioral interventions to combat oral diseases that stem from these lifestyle choices (Folayan et al., 2023). However, these studies are limited in their applicability to Nigerian students due to cultural, dietary, and environmental differences. The consumption of fast foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol, along with low levels of physical activity, are common among students worldwide, but their impact on oral health among Nigerian students, particularly at the University of Port Harcourt, remains underexplored.

The lack of specific research on Nigerian university students creates a gap in oral health knowledge that needs to be addressed. Although some studies have assessed general health awareness and oral health behaviors in Nigeria (Azodo et al., 2022), there is a dearth of research focusing on the dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to oral health problems among university students in the country. Moreover, limited studies have explored how these behaviors are shaped by socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors that are unique to Nigerian students (Petersen, 2023).

Without sufficient data on the awareness and attitudes of students toward the impact of their diet and lifestyle on oral health, it is difficult to design targeted health education programs and interventions that can effectively promote better oral health practices in Nigerian universities. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this gap by examining the awareness levels of students at the University of Port Harcourt regarding the role of diet and lifestyle in their oral health. The findings will contribute valuable insights into the oral health behavior of Nigerian university students, offering the potential for improved health interventions and education programs tailored to this demographic.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To assess the level of awareness of University of Port Harcourt students on the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health.
2. To identify the common dietary habits and lifestyle choices among students that may affect their oral health.
3. To evaluate the relationship between students’ awareness of diet and lifestyle impact on oral health and their oral health practices.

1.4 Research Questions

This study will address the following research questions:

1. What is the level of awareness among University of Port Harcourt students about the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health?
2. What are the common dietary habits and lifestyle choices among University of Port Harcourt students that may affect their oral health?
3. Is there a relationship between the level of awareness of diet and lifestyle impacts on oral health and students' oral health practices?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To guide the study, the following hypotheses will be tested:

1. There is no significant relationship between the level of awareness about the impact of diet and lifestyle and the oral health practices of students.
2. Students with higher levels of awareness about diet and lifestyle's impact on oral health do not have better oral health practices than those with lower levels of awareness.
3. Dietary habits, such as the consumption of sugary foods, are not significantly associated with poor oral health outcomes among students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings from this study are expected to have significant implications for both health policy and practice at the University of Port Harcourt. First, the study will provide a clearer understanding of the level of awareness of students regarding the impact of their diet and lifestyle choices on oral health. This information will help health professionals and educators design and implement effective awareness programs on campus, targeting the prevention of common oral health problems linked to poor dietary and lifestyle habits.

Second, the study’s findings will contribute to the growing body of literature on oral health, particularly within the context of Nigerian university students. The outcomes of this research can be used as a reference for similar studies across other academic institutions in Nigeria, contributing to national and global efforts to improve oral health education.

Finally, the study will highlight the need for improved dental services and preventive care, which are crucial in ensuring the overall health and well-being of students. By identifying key dietary and lifestyle factors that affect oral health, the study will provide a foundation for policy changes and interventions that can be implemented to reduce the burden of oral diseases among students.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study will be conducted among students of the University of Port Harcourt, a major university in southern Nigeria. The focus will be on undergraduate students from different faculties who are 18 years and older. The study will assess the awareness of students about the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health, examine their dietary habits, and analyze their oral health practices. The study will exclude postgraduate students and staff members of the university.

In terms of geographical scope, the study will be limited to students within the university’s main campus, and data will be collected through surveys and interviews. The time frame for this study is set to be within the 2024/2025 academic session.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Oral health: The state of an individual’s mouth, teeth, gums, and related structures, including the absence of disease and the ability to function normally (e.g., chewing, speaking).
2. Diet: The kinds and amounts of food that an individual consumes regularly. This includes dietary habits such as the consumption of sugary foods, soft drinks, and balanced meals.
3. Lifestyle: A set of personal habits, behaviors, and living conditions that influence an individual’s health, including physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
4. Oral health Practices: The actions taken by an individual to maintain oral health, such as regular brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash.
5. Awareness: The knowledge and understanding that students have regarding the relationship between their diet, lifestyle, and oral health.
6. Sugary Foods: Foods high in sugar content, such as candies, pastries, and soft drinks, which are commonly associated with poor oral health outcomes.
7. Dental Diseases: Diseases affecting the teeth and gums, such as tooth decay, gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), and oral infections.
8. University of Port Harcourt: A higher educational institution located in Rivers State, Nigeria, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study.