Prevalence and risk factors of oral gingivitis among patients attending public and private dental clinics in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of periodontal disease, is a prevalent oral health problem linked to discomfort, poor quality of life, and progression to periodontitis. Despite being preventable, it remains overlooked in many low-resource settings, including Ethiopia. In Harar Town, limited data exist on its burden and associated risk factors. To assess the prevalence of gingivitis and identify sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors among patients attending dental clinics in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 21 to December 5, 2023, among 416 patients aged ≥ 5 years with provision of informed consent. Participants were selected using stratified and systematic random sampling from two public and six private dental clinics. Data were collected through structured interviews and clinical examinations using the WHO’s Modified Community Periodontal Index (CPI), with gingivitis defined as CPI ≥ 1. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of 416 participants, 402 completed the study (96.6% response rate). The mean age was 31.86 ± 16.32 years (range: 5–78). Gingivitis prevalence was 48.5% (95% CI: 0.44–0.54). Significant predictors included male sex (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.19–4.12), rural residence (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.36–5.26), monthly income < 3500 ETB (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.36–5.16), and illiteracy (AOR = 3.73; 95% CI: 1.37–10.14). Behavioral factors included infrequent tooth brushing (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI: 2.29–8.89), self-perceived halitosis (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.12–6.66), lack of oral health information (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.09–5.02), khat chewing (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.37–5.11), smoking (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.58–8.36), alcohol use (AOR = 4.20; 95% CI: 1.60–11.02), and frequent refined carbohydrate intake (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.19–5.49). Gingivitis is common in Harar Town and strongly associated with modifiable factors. Targeted oral health education and behavioral interventions are recommended.