Dental caries on permanent dentition in primary school children — Ndola, Zambia, 2017
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Date
2018
Authors
Simushi, N.
Nyerembe, S.A.
Sasi, R.
Siziya, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health Press Zambia Bull.
Abstract
Dental caries is a major oral health problem affecting 60-90% of children in developing countries . This study aimed to determine the prevalence of caries and associated factors in permanent dentition among primary school children. A cross sectional study was conducted using a modified 2007 WHO questionnaire and a 1997 WHO oral health survey clinical examination tool. Ethical approval and permission to conduct the study were obtained from relevant authorities. The Chi-squared test was used to determine associations, with the level of significance set at the 5%. A total of 365 children were enrolled of which 48.5% were males. The age range was 5-17 years. The overall prevalence of caries in permanent teeth was 47(12.9%). Geographical location (p=0.022) and family income (p= 0.014) were significantly associated with caries, although only family income was statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46 - 0.92) in a multivariate analysis. The lower left first molar (9.0%) was the most often affected. None of the children had a tooth with a filled cavity. Less than half, 177 (48.5%), brushed their teeth for 2 or more minutes daily and only 71 (19.5%) had been for a dental check-up. Promotion of regular dental check-ups in schools and application of fissure sealants to children at high risk of developing caries is recommended.
Description
The prevalence of caries and associated factors in permanent dentition among primary school children
Keywords
Dental Caries---Zambia , Carious Dentin,Children---Zambia , Dental Decay---Zambia , White Spot, Dental,Child---Zambia
Citation
Simushi, N., Nyerembe, S. A., Sasi, R. and Siziya S. (2018). Dental caries on permanent dentition in primary school children — Ndola, Zambia, 2017 . Health Press Zambia Bull. 2 (4).