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Early Childhood Caries Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Monastir, Tunisia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Farah Chouchene1,2, Fatma Masmoudi1,2, Ahlem Baaziz1,2
1Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
Insights
Early childhood caries (ECC) affects 20% of Tunisian preschoolers. Risk factors include age, bottle feeding, and poor hygiene, highlighting the need for improved public dental health policies and behavioral changes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Early childhood caries (ECC) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors of ECC is crucial for implementing targeted preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ECC among preschool children in Monastir, Tunisia.
- To identify key risk factors associated with ECC in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 381 preschool children in Monastir, Tunisia.
- Data were collected using WHO diagnostic criteria for caries and a structured questionnaire.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of ECC was found to be 20%, with a mean dmft score of 0.89.
- Significant risk factors for ECC included older age (48-71 months), nocturnal feeding, bottle use of sugary drinks, delayed cessation of breast/bottle feeding (after 18 months), improper tooth brushing, and dental visits.
- Higher parental education was associated with a decreased prevalence of ECC.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of ECC in Monastir, Tunisia, necessitates a review of current public dental health policies.
- Developing effective strategies to promote positive oral health behaviors in children is essential for preventing ECC.
- Interventions should focus on identified risk factors, such as feeding practices, oral hygiene, and parental education.
Purpose:
The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ECC among preschool children in Monastir, Tunisia.
Methods:
The survey was designed as a cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2021 in the main region of Monastir, Tunisia. A total of 381 preschool children were randomly selected using a three-stage clustered sampling technique from 10 daycares. The dental caries were diagnosed using WHO recommendations and a questionnaire in Arabic language was used to record personnel profile of the enrolled children. The chi-square test was used in bivariate analyses to assess the association between ECC and risk factors. Variables showing significant associations were included in multiple logistic regression models.
Results:
The prevalence of ECC was 20% and the mean dmft score was 0.89 ± 0.24. The prevalence of ECC increased at the age of 48-59 months ([OR] 2.602; 95%CI: 1.122-2.302), the age of 60-71 months ([OR] 2.845; 95% CI: 1.128-2.072), in children with nocturnal feeding ([OR] 2,417; 95% CI: 1.340-4,358), who take sugary drinks in the bottle ([OR] 1.104; 95% CI: 1.667-2.826), stopped breast or bottle feeding after the age of 18 months ([OR] 2.417; 95% CI: 1.340-4.358), do not brush their teeth properly ([OR] 1.435; 95% CI: 1.207-2.915), had visited a dentist ([OR] 2.444; 95% CI: 2.072-1.108), and decreased in children with a more highly educated parents ([OR] 0.797; 95%CI: 0.171-0.650).
Conclusion:
Given the relatively high prevalence of ECC in Tunisia, it is important to review public dental health policies and develop effective strategies to encourage changes in behavior related to the oral health of children to prevent the spread and worsening of this disease.
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