Prevalence and Factors associated with Dental Caries among Adolescents aged 12-15 years in Rural communities in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v15i2.83721Keywords:
Adolescents, Community, Oral health, RuralAbstract
Background: Dental caries can affects all socioeconomic class and it continues to be of dental public health interest.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental caries among adolescents aged 12-15 years in four rural communities in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study among 12-15 years old was carried out in Nkanu–West and Udi local Government Area of Enugu State. Data collection was done in 2024. Socio-demographic data was obtained using semi--structured questionnaire.. Oral examination for the presence of dental caries was done by two examiners using the DMFT index. Tests of association between dependent variable (dental caries) and independent variables (age, sex, socio-economic status, oral hygiene status, tooth-brushing frequency and use of fluoride containing toothpaste) were conducted using Chi square/fisher exact test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 25. p<0.05 were accepted as being statistically significant.
Results: A total of 297 adolescents participated in the study and 140 (47.1%) were males. The prevalence of dental caries was 8.4% with mean DMFT of 0.11± 0.42. Dental caries was higher among females, 15 years old and adolescents from low socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant association between sex (p = 0.143), age (p= 0.115), socio-economic status (p= 0.761), tooth-brushing frequency (p= 0.139), use of fluoride containing toothpaste (p= 0.358), oral hygiene status (p=0.175) and dental caries. .
Conclusion: The prevalence of children with dental caries in the study population was low. Interventions for untreated carious teeth are recommended.
Update Dent. Coll. j: 2025; 15(2): 28-31
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