Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Associated Factors Among Finote Selam Primary School Students Aged 12-20 years, Finote Selam Town, Ethiopia

Amare Teshome, Asmare Yitayeh, Muchye Gizachew

Background and purpose: There is dearth of researches about the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries in the study area. Therefore, revealing the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors will help in the development of successful oral health assessment and intervention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among Finote Selam Primary School Students. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted between November 2012 and February 2013. Face to face interview was used to collect socio-demographic data using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Clinical examination was done by two dentists via using disposable glove, portable torch, wooden spatula and probes in class. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Two hundred ninety one students were included in this study. One hundred forty one (48.5%) of the students were identified as having dental caries. The mean Decayed, Missed and Filled Tooth (DMFT) was 1.23. The prevalence was higher in females (54.6%). Lack of tooth brushing habit (AOR=3.52, 95% CI: 1.85-6.43), frequent consumption of sugared foods (AOR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.24-5.63) and residency (AOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.02-3.25) were found to have significant association with dental caries. Conclusion: Almost half of the students were identified as having dental caries. The mean DMFT was 1.23. Tooth brushing habit, consumption of sugared foods and living in urban area were the most important predisposing factors for dental caries. Oral health education should be given at school level and there should be a need to provide an immediate restorative dental service for those decayed teeth.