Development and validation of a single latent variable self-reported periodontal disease scale based on the disease's common signs and symptoms in Saudi adults.

BACKGROUND

Many studies attempted to evaluate and improve the accuracy of self-reported periodontal disease questionnaire to provide a feasible tool for screening the disease. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a self-reported periodontal disease screening scale (SRPDSS) in Saudi adults and to identify the association of periodontal disease with sociodemographic determinants and oral health behaviors.

METHODS

The data was collected digitally from Saudi adults (≥ 18 years) in Riyadh city using a questionnaire that inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors and self-reported periodontal disease. The SRPDSS was developed using items from the literature or suggested by this study authors. The scale was validated for its construct validity and psychometric properties.

RESULTS

A total of 559 participants met the eligibility criteria out of 894 invited individuals. The mean (SD) age was 31.7 (12.7) and 68.5% of the participants were women. The scale items were selected based on common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and the scale was confirmed to have a total of 10 items and a single latent variable using confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency using Cronbach alpha was acceptable = 0.75 and the test re-test reliability using Spearman's correlation coefficient was excellent = 0.93. The final scale's goodness of fit was acceptable as indicated by the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.078, upper bound of the RMSEA 90% CI = 0.093, and the Standardized Root Mean Square (SRMR) = 0.059. Using linear regression analysis, the self-reported periodontal disease had statistically significant associations with age > 30 years; coefficient: 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22, 2.70), lower parents' income; coefficient: 1.5, (95% CI: 0.58, 2.42), lower parents' education; coefficient: 1.1, (95% CI: 0.28. 1.92), regular dental visits; coefficient: -1.79 (95% CI: -2.70, -0.89), regular toothbrushing; coefficient: -1.51 (95% CI: -2.32, -0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed and validated a 10-item self-reported periodontal disease screening tool based on its signs and symptoms in Saudi adults. The self-reported periodontal disease was significantly associated with older age, lower parents' socioeconomic status, irregular brushing, and lack of regular dental visits.