Prevalence and factors associated with dental caries among rural school children aged 13-16 year old in Edo state, Nigeria

BACKGROUND Dental caries can affect children in rural areas and the prevalence of dental caries can vary from one location to another. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental caries among school children aged 13-16 year old in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area in Edo State, South-south Nigeria. METHODS A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 13-16 year old school children in rural communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area in Edo State . Socio-demographic data was obtained using questionnaire. Oral examination for the presence of dental caries was conducted using the DMFT index. Tests of association between dependent variable (dental caries) and independent variables were conducted using Chi square/fisher exact test. Risk indicators for dental caries was determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Crude odd ratio (COR) and adjusted odd ratio (AOR) was assessed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 28. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 200 school children participated in the study and 104 (52.0%) were females. The prevalence of dental caries was 5.5% with mean DMFT of 0.08± 0.35. Dental caries occurrence was higher among 13 year old and females. There was statistically significant association between frequency of tooth-brushing (P= 0.003), oral hygiene status (P= 0.002) and dental caries occurrence. Oral hygiene status was a risk indicator for dental caries in the study population. (P= 0.016) CONCLUSION The prevalence of dental caries in the study population was low. Oral hygiene status was a risk indicator for dental caries.