Association Between Demographic/Socioeconomic Factors and Postoperative Oral Health Outcomes Among Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Patients in a Lagos General Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61172/9yx31v30Keywords:
Postoperative oral health outcomes, maxillofacial surgery, socioeconomic factorsAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures are associated with varying degrees of postoperative disability, affecting patients’ physical function and psychosocial well-being. Although socioeconomic and demographic factors are known to influence health outcomes, their role in postoperative oral health outcomes in resource-limited settings remains unclear.
Objectives: To assess the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors and postoperative oral health outcomes among patients attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: This hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study involved 96 patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery between August 2025 and April 2026. A consecutive sampling method was used, and eligible participants were recruited during postoperative follow-up visits within six months after surgery. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included the Facial Disability Index (FaDI) to assess physical and social disability. The primary surgical procedures performed and primary clinical indications for surgery were recorded as separate variables. The questionnaire was interviewer-administered in English and, where necessary, translated verbally to improve comprehension. FaDI scores were summarized and categorized for analysis. Associations were tested using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests at p < 0.05.
Results: A high prevalence of postoperative disability was observed. No statistically significant associations were found between most demographic or socioeconomic variables and outcomes. Employment status was significantly associated with physical function outcomes (p = 0.028). In contrast, the indication for surgery was associated with both physical function (p = 0.039) and social well-being outcomes (p = 0.023).
Conclusion: Postoperative disability remains high. Clinical factors, particularly surgical indication, were more strongly associated with postoperative outcomes in this study population. Structured rehabilitation and psychosocial support should be integrated into postoperative care. Larger, multicentre longitudinal studies are recommended.
Keywords: Postoperative oral health outcomes, maxillofacial surgery, socioeconomic factors, postoperative disability, Nigeria
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Copyright (c) 2026 John Chukwudumebi Wemambu, Sikiru Olatunji Usman, Obigbesan Kayode Olumide, Chidera Chukwudumebi Wemambu, Rafiat Nasiru-Piponsuhu
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