Prevalence and determinants of oral lesions in patients with stage 3–5 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease at Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a wide range of oral abnormalities, but oral health may receive limited attention during routine CKD care, particularly in resource-limited settings. Data on oral lesions among patients with CKD in Cameroon remain limited. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from November 2017 to May 2018 among adults with stage 3–5 non-dialysis CKD attending the nephrology outpatient clinic of Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. Participants with acute inflammatory illness, psychiatric disorders, malignancy, or complete edentulism were excluded. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained by interview and from medical records, followed by a full-mouth clinical examination. Associations were assessed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Eighty participants were included; 52 (65.0%) were men and the mean age was 58 ± 12.3 years. Hypertension (59/80, 73.75%) and diabetes (33/80, 41.25%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Seventy-five participants (93.75%) had at least one oral lesion. Mucosal lesions were identified in 57 participants (71.25%), dental lesions in 34 (42.50%), and periodontal lesions in 31 (38.75%). Halitosis (50/80, 62.50%) and xerostomia (26/80, 32.50%) were the most frequent mucosal findings. Among participants with dental lesions, enamel hypoplasia was most frequent (17/34, 50.0%), followed by caries (11/34, 32.35%). Among participants with periodontal lesions, mild periodontitis was most common (14/31, 45.16%). In multivariable analyses, mucosal lesions were associated with age ≥ 40 years, male sex, and smoking; periodontal lesions were associated with age ≥ 40 years, diabetes, smoking, and brushing fewer than twice daily; dental lesions were associated with education below secondary level and brushing fewer than twice daily. Conclusions Oral lesions were highly prevalent among adults with stage 3–5 non-dialysis CKD in this hospital-based study. Integration of routine oral health assessment, preventive dental care, and oral hygiene counselling into CKD management may improve comprehensive patient care.