Peters Anna, Brandt Karolin, Wienke Andreas, Schaller Hans-Günter
University Outpatient Clinic of Conservative/Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 16, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Computer Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 9;19(9):5771. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095771.
(1) The objective of this socio-epidemiologic cross-sectional study was to investigate caries burdens in Ghanaian children aged 3 to 13 years. The main focus was the analysis of urban-rural disparities and associating socio-demographic and behavioural factors. (2) Standardized caries examination with documentation of decayed, missing, filled deciduous (dmft) and permanent teeth (DMFT) was conducted in 11 school facilities according to WHO guidelines. A parental questionnaire gathered data considering associating factors. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate their influence on caries prevalence and experience using mean dmft+DMFT, Significant Caries Index (SiC), and Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC). (3) In total, 313 study participants were included (mean age 7.7 ± 3.8 years; 156 urban, 157 rural). The urban region showed slightly higher caries prevalence (40.4% vs. 38.9%). The rural region had higher caries experience in mean dmft+DMFT (1.22 ± 2.26 vs. 0.96 ± 1.58), SiC (3.52 ± 2.73 vs. 2.65 ± 1.71), and SaC (3.15 ± 2.68 vs. 2.37 ± 1.68). Lower education and occupation level of parents and rural residence were associated to higher caries values. Sugary diet showed an inverse relation with caries prevalence and oral hygiene practices supported the generally known etiologic correlation. (4) This study highlights the importance of targeting children vulnerable to caries due to social inequality with adequate preventive means. The implementation of regular dental screening and education, e.g. in schools, may be helpful.
(1) 这项社会流行病学横断面研究的目的是调查3至13岁加纳儿童的龋齿负担。主要重点是分析城乡差异以及相关的社会人口学和行为因素。(2) 根据世界卫生组织的指南，在11所学校设施中对乳牙和恒牙进行了标准化龋齿检查，并记录了龋坏、缺失、已充填的乳牙（dmft）和恒牙（DMFT）情况。通过家长问卷收集了有关相关因素的数据。使用描述性统计方法，通过平均dmft + DMFT、显著龋指数（SiC）和特定患龋指数（SaC）来评估这些因素对龋齿患病率和患病经历的影响。(3) 总共纳入了313名研究参与者（平均年龄7.7±3.8岁；城市地区156名，农村地区157名）。城市地区的龋齿患病率略高（40.4%对38.9%）。农村地区在平均dmft + DMFT（1.22±2.26对0.96±1.58）、SiC（3.52±2.73对2.65±1.71）和SaC（3.15±2.68对2.37±1.68）方面的龋齿患病经历更高。父母教育程度和职业水平较低以及农村居住与较高的龋齿值相关。高糖饮食与龋齿患病率呈负相关，口腔卫生习惯支持了普遍已知的病因学关联。(4) 本研究强调了针对因社会不平等而易患龋齿的儿童采取适当预防措施的重要性。例如在学校实施定期口腔筛查和教育可能会有所帮助。
