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Prevalence of Dental Caries, its Associated Risk Factors and Treatment Needs among School Aged Children at Kimironko II Primary School, Kigali, Rwanda


Donat Uwayezu
Peace Uwambaye
Anne Marie Uwitonze
Julienne Murererehe
Emmanuel Nzabonimana
Marie Claire Ineza
Eliane Ingabire Harelimana
Usiel Nsabimana Usiel Nsabimana
Deeva Singh
Emma Nizeyimana
Eugene Nshimiyimana
Joselyne Muhawenimana
Rene Tuyibuke
Eustache Ntigura
Agnes Gatarayiha

Abstract

Background
Dental caries is still a health problem worldwide, its prevalence and incidence are associated with various factors like age, sex, social status, dietary patterns and oral hygiene habits.
Methodology
A Secondary data collected from outreaches done by UR CMHS, School of Dentistry at Kimironko II Primary School was analyzed. This secondary data had been obtained using structured questionnaires with close ended questions. Clinical examination had also been done to gather information. SPSS statistical software package version 22 was used to analyse data from Community outreach done at Kimironko Primary School in August 2019.
Results
The prevalence of dental caries of 42.4% was found among children aged 6-12 years old of Kimironko II Primary School. The researchers found the following to be statistically significantly associated with prevalence of dental caries: gender (p=0.042), dental visits (p=0.001), and use of chew sticks or miswaks (p=0.041). Females were 1.4 times more likely to develop dental caries (OR: 1.462; 95% CI: 1.16-2.017; p=0.021) and children who did not use toothpick were 2 times more likely to develop dental caries (OR: 2.149; 95%CI: 1.251-4.395; p=0.036), whereas visiting a dental practitioner was protective against dental caries (OR: 0.362, 95% CI: 0.251-0.516; p=0.001).
Conclusion
Dental caries is prevalent among children of Kimironko II Primary School. Appropriate preventive measures should be taken to protect those found to be exposed.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(3):341-346


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eISSN: 2616-9827
print ISSN: 2616-9819