Associations between psychological wellbeing, depression, general anxiety, perceived social support, tooth brushing frequency and oral ulcers among adults resident in Nigeria during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01871-y
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13T04:12:22Z
• Authors: Morenike Oluwatoy...; Olanrewaju Ibikun...; Ibidunni Olapeju ...; Olakunle Oginni; Olutayo Aloba
• Keywords: Tooth brushing; Depression; Cross-sectional study; Pandemic; Odds

Abstract Introduction The aims of this study were to determine the associations between psychological wellbeing, and frequency tooth brushing presence oral ulcers during COVID-19 pandemic; identify mediating roles distress (general anxiety depression) perceived social support in paths observed associations. Methods This cross-sectional recruited 996 adults Nigeria June August 2020. Data collected through an online survey included outcome variables (decreased ulcers), explanatory variable (psychological wellbeing), mediators symptoms, depression symptoms support) confounders (age, sex at birth, educational employment status). Multivariate logistic regression was used risk indicators for variables. A path analysis conducted indirect effect on association Results Of 966 respondents, 96 (9.9%) reported decreased tooth-brushing 129 (13.4%) had pandemic. odds pandemic as wellbeing increased (AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.83–0.91; p < 0.001) generalized 0.92; 0.86–0.98; = 0.009). having ulcer higher 1.15; 01.08–1.21; 0.001). Only (indirect effect: 0.02; 0.01–0.04; P 0.014) significantly mediated relationship accounting approximately 12% total toothbrushing. Generalized 0.05; − 0.07–0.03; also 70% ulcer. Depressive did not mediate ulcers. Conclusion Patients who come into dental clinic with poor hygiene or may benefit from screening those will interventions mental health challenges.