AN INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF ORAL HEALTHCARE MATERIALS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Biologically, oral health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being, particularly among adolescents who are in a crucial developmental stage. In Lagos State, the choices adolescents make regarding oral healthcare materials significantly impact their oral health outcomes. However, the oral health practices established during this time have long-lasting effects on their dental health.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, with dental caries and periodontal disease being prevalent among adolescents (WHO, 2020). 

Sstudies show that oral health among adolescents is suboptimal, with many failing to meet the recommended oral hygiene practices (Adekoya-Sofowora, 2018). The choice of oral healthcare materials, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes, plays a critical role in maintaining oral hygiene. According to a survey conducted by Archana et al. (2020), 39.6% of the local population in Lagos chose their toothpaste based on information obtained from the media. Similarly, in a study conducted by Dilip et al. (2018), magazines, television, and radio were identified as the primary sources of information influencing toothpaste preference. Additionally, socioeconomic status (SES) is a significant determinant of health behaviors and access to healthcare resources. Adolescents from higher SES backgrounds have more access to a variety of oral healthcare products and receive better guidance on their use. In contrast, those from lower SES backgrounds rely on less effective or affordable alternatives (Petersen & Kwan, 2018).

Furthermore, sstudies show that parental knowledge and attitudes towards oral health significantly influence the oral health practices of adolescents. For instance, parents who prioritize oral hygiene are more likely to encourage their children to use effective oral healthcare materials (Adair et al., 2023). Based on the survey on oral hygiene products usage, 59.1% of the population began using a certain brand of toothpaste due to radio and television commercials. Moreover, the influence of marketing and advertising on adolescents cannot be ignored. Many oral healthcare products are marketed specifically towards this age group, emphasizing factors such as flavor, packaging, and perceived effectiveness. Advertisements on television, social media, and other platforms also significantly sway adolescents' preferences and choices (McCarthy et al., 2022). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate the factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It is no doubt that oral health has become an essential aspect of general health and well-being, although it is frequently overlooked among adolescents. The oral care products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, are essential for preserving oral cleanliness and averting dental ailments. However, various factors impact the decisions made by adolescents in this matter, including but not limited to socioeconomic position, cultural beliefs, accessibility, awareness, and peer influence.

Additionally, some communities prioritize ancient oral hygiene practices, such as the use of chewing sticks, over contemporary dental products. Although certain conventional approaches yield positive results, there are instances where they do not offer full dental care, resulting in negative health consequences (Akaji & Folaranmi, 2019). Also, the accessibility and availability of oral healthcare materials are important factors that influence the decisions made by adolescents. Urban locations in Lagos State typically offer more extensive access to a diverse range of oral healthcare items, in contrast to rural areas where the availability of options may be restricted. The variation in access can result in disparities in oral health outcomes among adolescents from diverse places (Olusola-Makinde, 2021). 

Furthermore, adolescents are susceptible to persuasion and are often swayed by commercials that endorse particular brands of oral healthcare items. These commercials may not consistently emphasise the most efficient or cost-effective alternatives, resulting in decisions that are more influenced by brand attractiveness rather than actual effectiveness (Rana & Dwivedi, 2018). Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to investigate the factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state. Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine the level of knowledge adolescents on oral healthcare practices.

2.Determine whether there adequate oral healthcare materials for adolescents in Lagos State.

3.Determine the extent cavities influence the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state.

4.Determine whether socioeconomic status of parents influence students' choice of material for oral healthcare.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the level of knowledge of adolescents on oral healthcare practices?

Is there adequate availability of oral healthcare materials for adolescents in Lagos State?

To what extent do cavities influence the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos State?

Does the socioeconomic status of parents influence students' choice of materials for oral healthcare?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There are no significant factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos State.

Ha: There are significant factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos State.

1. 6 Significance of the Study

Public health professionals will use the findings to design strategies aimed at specific needs and preferences of adolescents, therefore improving the impact of public health campaigns and programmes centred on oral health. Teachers and school health programmes will integrate the research results into their curriculum and activities, fostering knowledge and correct utilization of oral healthcare resources among students. Furthermore, parents will derive advantages from knowing the elements that impact their children's decisions, so enabling them to provide guidance and assistance in cultivating good oral hygiene practices in the household.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the factors influencing the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents in Lagos state. Empirically, the study will determine whether there adequate oral healthcare materials for adolescents, the extent cavities influence the choice of oral healthcare materials among adolescents and  whether socioeconomic status of parents influence students' choice of material for oral healthcare.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to some selected secondary schools in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos state.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Oral hygiene: refers to the practice of maintaining cleanliness and health in the mouth to prevent various dental and oral health issues. 

Adolescents: individuals in the age group typically ranging from 10 to 19 years, residing in Lagos State.