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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Factors associated with early childhood caries among 3 to 6 year old children in India: A case control study
T Sridevi1, S Pranoti1, S Anand1
1Department of Pedodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, India.
Insights
Perinatal factors like preterm birth and cesarean delivery increase the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). Understanding these associations can guide preventive strategies for this common dental issue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, social, and behavioral factors.
- Limited research has explored the impact of perinatal factors on ECC development.
- This study investigates the association between ECC and perinatal variables in Indian children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between ECC and risk factors including socio-economic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), gestational age, birth weight, and mode of delivery.
- To identify key perinatal determinants of ECC in children aged 3 to 6 years.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 690 school children (3-6 years old), with 345 diagnosed with ECC.
- Data collected through oral clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and interviews for socio-demographic and perinatal information.
- Statistical analysis included Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression to identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Male gender, increasing age, preterm birth, and cesarean section were significantly associated with an increased risk of ECC.
- Multiple logistic regression identified these perinatal factors as crucial predictors of ECC.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal factors significantly influence the burden of early childhood caries.
- Targeted early-life interventions focusing on identified risk factors are essential for ECC prevention and control.
Background:
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease as it is associated with biological, social and behavioral risk factors. However, not much research studied the influence of perinatal factors like birth weight, mode of delivery and gestational age with ECC. Aim of this study is to assess the association between ECC and risk factors, such as Socio-economic status (SES), Body mass index (BMI), Gestation age, birth weight and mode of delivery among Indian children aged 3 to 6 years.
Methods:
In this cross sectional study 690 school children aged 3-6 years were included from five government and primary schools among them 345 were suffering from ECC. Data acquisition involved an oral clinical exam, anthropometric measures and a questionnaire administered in interview form to acquire information on socio-demographic data and Gestational age; mode of delivery; birth weight and socio-economic status. Chi-squared test was used to test the association between categorical variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis used to assess strength of association between risk factors and ECC while controlling known confounders.
Results:
Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male children, increasing age, preterm birth and cesarean section are associated with increased risk of developing ECC.
Conclusions:
Perinatal factors play a vital role in determination ECC burden. Early life interventions and precautions can be useful strategy to control and prevent ECC.
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