Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc51/2/5
Oral Health Status Related to Social Behaviors among 6 - 11 Year Old Schoolchildren in Kosovo
Lulëjeta Ferizi
; Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovo
Fatmir Dragidella
; Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovo
Gloria Staka
; Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovo
Venera Bimbashi
; Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovo
Shefqet Mrasori
; Department of Endodontic and Dental Pathology, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovo
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the current oral health status among schoolchildren in Kosovo aged 6-11 years. Material and methods: A study included 5679 schoolchildren aged 6 -11 years, from different towns of Kosovo. Dental health status was evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria for decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT index), for deciduous and permanent dentition. The observed children have answered a number of questions about their oral hygiene, eating habits, and dental visits. The analysis included frequencies and means. The differences between means were tested using the student t-test (p<0.05). The factors associated with dental caries were tested using the Spearman’s rank. Results: The mean dmft/DMFT of schoolchildren aged 6-11 years was 4.36 ± 3.763 and 1.20 ± 1.488, respectively. Sealant placements were found among 90 schoolchildren, amounting to 1.58%. From 8 years of age, 50% of children brush their teeth twice a day. Confectionery consumption among the observed children has increased. Forty percent of them eat sweets at least once a day, and majority of them visit their dentists only when necessary. A significant correlation between consumption of confectionery, oral hygiene, dental visits and the prevalence of caries was confirmed. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that there is a high prevalence of caries among 6-11 year old schoolchildren, thus pointing to a need for an extensive program of primary oral health care as well as utilizing preventive measures and regular dental visits.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
183242
URI
Publication date:
20.6.2017.
Visits: 1.656 *