Date of Award

6-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Jai Das

Second Advisor

Dr. Fahad

Third Advisor

Ms. Arjumand

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: “Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases in the world.” Globally, people suffering from caries of permanent teeth are 2.3 billion. Among these, 40% are adolescents.
Objective: This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and risk factors of dental caries in adolescents residing in the rural district of Tando Muhammad Khan (TMK), Sindh, Pakistan. Rationale: The study is necessary because there is a lack of quality data on prevalence of dental caries in rural Pakistan especially the oral health status of adolescents. By identifying the prevalence and risk factors of dental caries in this population, this study will provide valuable information that can inform future public health interventions aimed at improving oral health outcomes in similar rural areas in Pakistan.
Methods: TMK is a rural district with limited access to health services and education. We employed a two-stage systemic sampling for selecting the eligible households, completing the sample size of 858 adolescents. Data collectors approached the families and conducted the interviews. Dental pictures were captured using Android tablets, which were then assessed by two dentists for “Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth Index” (DMFT index) and the “International Caries Detection and Assessment System” (ICDAS). The ICDAS criteria used in this instance were modified ICDAS (MICDAS) with only 4 categories. Scorings were completed on Excel sheets and analysis was completed using STATA version
Results: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 44%. From this 30% had extensive caries (MICDAS class 3), 25% had moderate caries (MICDAS class 2) and 45% had mild caries (MICDAS class 1). Our results concluded that smokeless tobacco (PR = 0.52) and belonging to the richest wealth quantiles (PR = 0.68) were protective factors against caries development. While consuming water from filtration plants increases the risk of caries (PR = 1.60).

First Page

1

Last Page

54

Download

Share

COinS