The prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among students living with disability in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives: People living with disability are more vulnerable to dental caries and have a high decayed, missed, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index and untreated dental disease than nondisabled individuals. In Ethiopia, there is a dearth of information on the oral health status of the disabled population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and its predictors among special needs school students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was done on special needs school students in the Amhara region from November 2020 to April 2021. The study participants were recruited using a simple random sampling technique using a computer random generator. Data collection was done using the World Health Organization oral health survey tool. Data entry was done using Epi-data 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS 26. A logistic regression model was used to identify the possible predictors of dental caries.Results: Four hundred and forty-three students with a mean age of 15.8 ± 3.8 were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries was 41.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.3, 46.0) in permanent dentition with a mean DMFT score of 1.3 ± 1.6. The prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition was 23.1% (95% CI: 11.9, 32.1) with a mean decayed, missed, and filled primary teeth (dmft) score of 1.9 ± 0.2.Being 7-12 years old (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.6, 8.3), lower grade level (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI:1.3,4.4), poor oral hygiene status (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.8), and lack of parental support during tooth brushing (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.1) were independent predictors of dental caries.Conclusions: A significant amount of special needs school students in the study area had dental caries. Age, grade level, oral hygiene status, and lack of parent support during tooth brushing were independent predictors of dental caries.

Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among primary school children in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Based on the findings, the prevalence of dental caries identified in our current investigation exceeded that observed in Bahir Dar (21.8%) [ 21 ], and in Gonder 23.64% [ 39 ]. And in line with studies conducted in Gondar (41.5%) [ 23 ]. Furthermore, our discovery exhibited a lower rate compared to research carried out in Alemketema North Shiwa 46.9% [ 27 ], Addis Ababa (74%) [ 11 ], and Finote Selam (48.5%) [ 24 ] Eritrea (78%) [ 11 ], India (59%) [ 40 ], Qatar (85%) [ 41 ] Najran, Saudi Arabia (71.5%), Tamil Nadu (63.9%), and Brazil (55.5%) [ 11 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…The incidence of dental caries is rapidly escalating in low- and middle-income countries, especially impacting children residing in underprivileged communities [ 9 , 10 ]. In Africa, the prevalence of dental caries varies from country to country 78% Eritrea [ 11 ], 64%Timor-leste [ 12 ], 68.8% São Tomé Island [ 13 ], 24.1% Nigeria [ 14 ], 78% Tripoli Libya [ 15 ], 20% Tunisea [ 16 ], 49.7% Ghana [ 17 ] and 37.5%,43.3% in Kenya [ 18 , 19 ], and also Studies conducted in Ethiopia reveal rates of 71.3% community survey in Ethiopia [ 20 ], 21.8% in Bahir Dar [ 21 ], 47.4% in Addis Ababa [ 22 ], 41.5% in Gondar Town [ 23 ], and 48.5% in Finote Selam [ 24 ]. This condition significantly affects children’s development and their ability to engage in daily activities.…”

Factors associated with dental interns and professors perception of the management of disabled patients: A cross-sectional study under multivariable analysis

“…As a result, oral pathologies in children with disabilities may be more pronounced. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to increased calculus deposition, a higher Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and a higher prevalence of caries and malocclusion, according to multiple studies [ [8] , [9] , [10] ]. Despite the negative biological, psychosocial, and emotional impacts of oral and systemic diseases, people often prioritize their physical health over their oral health [ 5 ].…”

Associated Factors of Dental Caries among Intellectually Disabled Persons in Specialized Centers of Ouagadougou

“…Among factors, we can cite poor oral hygiene, lack of parental support during tooth brushing, limited access to dental care, and socioeconomic determinants [3] [4] [5]. Psychotropic drugs, which are essential for the stabilization of mental disorders, also have side effects on the oral sphere.…”