Dental caries and associated factors among adolescents aged 12 to 15 in Jiangxi Province, China

Abstract

Background The purpose of this survey was to examine the association of general characteristics, oral health knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and dental caries status among adolescents in Jiangxi Province and to provide a basis for future prevention of dental caries among middle school students. Methods A total of 8,160 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years were invited to participate in this survey by a stratified random cluster sampling method from 30 schools in five counties in Jiangxi Province. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to understand their basic characteristics, including oral health behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes. Chi‐square tests were used to compare dental caries status and general characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to study the effects of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior on dental caries. Results The prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth was 25.8 percent, and the mean DMFT score of 12‐ to 15‐year‐old adolescents was 0.48 ± 1.04. The prevalence in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas (P < 0.001). The prevalence was higher in girls than in boys (P < 0.001). No significant age differences were observed (P > 0.05) in the prevalence of dental caries. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the variables associated with dental caries were tooth brushing frequency, use of toothpaste, frequency of sugary milk intake, smoking, and oral health attitudes. Conclusions This study revealed that adolescent oral health behaviors and attitudes were associated with dental caries. It is important to implement targeted oral disease prevention and control measures among adolescents.

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“…Similarly, the univariate analysis revealed that the tooth brushing was signi cantly more among NQC than QC. Although it is a foregone conclusion that good oral heath practices are protective against dental caries [30,31], the multivariate analysis didn't support this in our study. Taken together con rms, at least theoretically, that qat chewing negatively nulli es the positive effects of these factors.…”

Assessment of oral health status and related factors in adolescents aged 12–15 years in the Gansu Province of China: a cross-sectional survey

“…Female students had significantly higher prevalence of caries experience than males did, which was consistent with the survey findings of Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces [ 14 , 17 ]. Some studies have pointed out that females are more prone to caries in comparison to males due to the following factors: teeth eruption occurs earlier in females, and comparatively slower saliva flow due to fluctuation of hormones during puberty [ 18 ].…”

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“…Similarly, the univariate analysis revealed that the tooth brushing was significantly more among NQC than QC. Although it is a foregone conclusion that good oral heath practices are protective against dental caries [ 31 , 32 ], the multivariate analysis didn’t support this in our study. Taken together confirms, at least theoretically, that qat chewing negatively nullifies the positive effects of these factors.…”