Sabbah, WaelAlotaibi, Abdulmajeed2024-10-092024-08https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/73183Background: Fatigue is a frequent problem in the American adult population, affecting every aspect of health, from mental to physical wellbeing. Although the negative effects of fatigue on general health are well documented, little research has been identified that investigated its effect on oral health. Among the adverse consequences of fatigue, bad oral habits like neglecting oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can lead directly to negative outcomes with individual’s teeth, such as tooth loss, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Fatigue is described as the subjective sense of not being able to accomplish a task efficiently owing to decreased effectiveness. Objective: This study examines the correlation between fatigue and oral health among US population. Method: Data were gathered from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 18 and above. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess and examine fatigue using a thoroughly validated assessment based on the Prime-MD diagnostic instrument. In NHANES, it is referred to as the Depression Screener Questionnaire (DPQ). The tooth count was established by clinical exams performed by qualified dentists. Logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between tooth count and fatigue and adjusted for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, dental visits, multimorbidity and smoking status. Results: Of the 11,848 participants (mean age: 47.25 years), 52.94% experienced fatigue. The incidence of tooth loss was greater among individuals who reported being 3 fatigued. However, after accounting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, mean poverty income ratio, and multimorbidity, the link between tooth loss and fatigue maintained its statistical significance (Odds Ratio ‘OR’ = 1.21, 95% Confidence Interval ‘CI’: 1.01-1.43). Model 3 found Participants who hadn't seen a dentist in over a year have more chance to experience fatigue (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39, p = 0.014). Conclusion: to conclude, having fewer teeth is linked to fatigue among American adults. To manage fatigue and its broader health effects, a multifaceted approach is needed, including regular dental care, reducing socioeconomic disparities, and assessing both physical and mental health. This integrated strategy can improve overall well-being and address the complex link between fatigue and oral health.42enfatigueoral healthtooth lossNHANESolder adultssmokingmultimorbiditydental visitsThesis