Oral health status of 12-year-old school children in Khartoum state, the Sudan; a school-based survey

• Main Authors: Ali Raouf (Author), Trovik Tordis (Author), Nurelhuda Nazik (Author), Ahmed Mutaz (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1472-6831-9-15; 1472-6831
• Keywords: Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: BMC Oral Health, Vol 9, Iss 1, p 15 (2009)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Few studies have investigated the prevalence of dental caries among school children in the past decades in Sudan rendering it difficult to understand the status and pattern of oral health.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A school-based survey was conducted using stratified random cluster sampling in Khartoum state, Sudan. Data was collected through interviews and clinical examination by a single examiner. DMFT was measured according to WHO criteria. Gingival index (GI) of Loe & Silness and Plaque index (PI) of Silness & Loe were used.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean DMFT for 12-year-olds was found to be 0.42 with a significant caries index (SiC) of 1.4. Private school attendees had significantly higher DMFT (0.57) when compared to public school attendees (0.4). The untreated caries prevalence was 30.5%. In multivariate analysis caries experience (DMFT > 0) was found to be significantly and directly associated with socioeconomic status. The mean GI for the six index teeth was found to be 1.05 (CI 1.03 - 1.07) and the mean PI was 1.30 (CI 1.22 - 1.38).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The prevalence of caries was found to be low. The school children with the higher socioeconomic status formed the high risk group.</p>