Dental Caries: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Primary Schoolchildren in Sana’a City-Yemen

Abstract

Background of the study Dental caries is a major public health problem globally. It is the most common noncommunicable disease that influence the overall health of children. Objective of the study The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and the associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren aged from 7 to 12 years in Sana'a City. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among primary schoolchildren in Sana‘a city-Yemen, from September to November 2020. A sample size of 340 of primary schoolchildren (151 Males and 189 females) ages from 7 to 12 years old was included in this study selected by using multi-stage cluster random sampling method from ten public and private primary schools. Data was collected by using the WHO oral health survey questionnaire as face-to-face interview with children. Questions were included the demographic, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits. Dental examination was performed by using the WHO criteria and dental caries was assessed by using deft scores for detection of caries in primary dentition and DMFT for permanent dentition. The relationship between factors and the dental caries prevalence was measured by using x2-tests as appropriate. Two-tailed, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study results showed that the caries prevalence of primary teeth, permanent teeth, and mixed dentition among primary schoolchildren was 86.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5%, respectively. Overall, mean/SD deft score of both males and females was (4.5 ±3.1) and (4.3±2.8) respectively. The overall mean/SD DMFT score of both males and females was (2.3±1.8) and (0.04±.3) respectively. No significant association between males and females was shown (P>0.05). A significant association in the prevalence of dental caries by age groups in both primary and permanent teeth as well as among public and private schoolchildren was present (P<0.05). Regarding parent‘s education and occupation there was no significant association neither in the primary teeth nor in the permanent teeth. Increased number of family members >6 appeared to have a high prevalence of dental caries which was also significant association in the permanent teeth (P<0.05). A significant association in the prevalence of dental caries, teeth brushing and using of fluoride toothpaste in both primary and permanent teeth was reported (P<0.05). The caries prevalence of primary teeth respective to sleeping without teeth brushing showed a significant association in both primary and permanent teeth. There was no significant association (P>0.05) in terms of using dental floss and visiting the dentist and prevalence of dental caries in both primary and permanent dentitions. A significant association regarding the caries prevalence of permanent teeth and frequency of drinking milk, tea, coffee with sugar was noticed (P<0.05). A significant association (P<0.05) was seen in caries prevalence of permanent teeth and oral hygiene index. Conclusions and Recommendations The present study showed that the prevalence of dental caries was found to be high among primary schoolchildren in Sana‘a city. This data is important for planning of future oral health prevention and treatment programs targeting young children in primary schools.