Prevalence of dental caries and associated risk factors among People Living with HIV/AIDS and HIV uninfected adults at an HIV clinic in Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Background Dental caries is among the most frequent oral conditions in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There is a lack of baseline information on dental caries prevalence and associated risk factors among PLWHA in comparison to HIV uninfected people in Rwanda. Objective This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated risk factors among PLWHA and HIV uninfected adults at an HIV clinic of Kigali Teaching Hospital (CHUK) in Kigali, Rwanda. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 PLWHA and 200 HIV uninfected adults aged 18 years and above attending an HIV clinic of CHUK. An oral examination was performed by a calibrated examiner. Dental caries were assessed using the WHO Decayed (D), Missing (M), and Filled Teeth (F) index (DMFT). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-tests, and multiple binary logistic regression were used to analyze data. Results Overall, a higher prevalence (50.5%) of PLWHA had experienced dental caries (DMFT>0) compared to HIV uninfected counterparts (40.5%) (p = 0.045). The prevalence of Decayed teeth (D) was also higher (23.5%) among PLWHA compared to HIV uninfected persons (13.6%) (p = 0.011). The Mean(SD) DMFT scores among PLWHA and HIV uninfected participants were 2.28 (3.68) and 1.29 (2.21) respectively (p = 0.001). After performing multiple binary logistic regression analysis, the predictors of dental caries in PLWHA were being female (OR = 2.33; 95%CI = 1.14–4.75), frequent dental visits (OR = 4.50; 95% CI = 1.46–13.86) and detectable RNA viral load (OR = 4.50; 95% CI = 1.46–13.86). In HIV uninfected participants, the middle age range (36–45 years), and frequent dental visits were significantly associated with dental caries (OR = 6.61; 95%CI = 2.14–20.37) and (OR = 3.42; 95%CI: 1.337–8.760) respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of dental caries was higher in PLWHA than in HIV uninfected counterparts. The reported higher prevalence of caries in PLWHA was associated with being female, detectable viral load, and frequent dental visits. Therefore, there is a need for effective oral health interventions specific to PLWHA in Rwanda to raise awareness of the risk of dental caries and provide preventive oral health services among this population. To ensure timely oral health care amongPLWHA, there is a need for an effort from policymakers and other stakeholders to integrate oral health care services within the HIV treatment program in Rwanda.

Salivary biochemical parameters in people living with HIV on ART and dental caries: a cross-sectional study in Monastir, Tunisia

“…As for DC, mean DMFT indices in the studied groups were higher compared to Murererehe J et al findings, 2.28 ± 3.68 for HIV positive people vs. 1.29 ± 2.21 for unaffected people [ 20 ], but lower than what Muralidharan S et al (10.1) [ 31 ] and Kumar S et al reported (12.83 ± 9.6) [ 32 ]. Although not significant, this study found that PLWHA had a higher number of decayed teeth in the posterior sector.…”

“…The literature lacks studies on salivary parameters and DC in adult PLWHA. Prevalence of DC and associated risk factors are the main focus of most publications [ 17 – 20 ]. Few studies have addressed salivary parameters in PLWHA [ 12 , 16 , 23 , 24 , 29 ] and only one study has been reported about sIgA and DC in PLWHA [ 30 ].…”

“…Regarding DC in PLWHA, high DMFT indices have been commonly recorded [ 18 , 19 ]. Mean DMFT indices of 2.28 ± 3.68 were noted in HIV positive people compared to HIV negative individuals (1.29 ± 2.21) [ 20 ]. ART duration has been linked to an increase in DC risk, apart from the risk factors that have been reported for DC [ 19 ].…”

Oral microbiota study of the patients after hospitalisation for COVID-19, considering selected dental indices and antibiotic therapy using the next generation sequencing method (NGS)

“…Each participant underwent a dental examination. On its basis, the selected indices were determined: DMFT ( Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index ) [ 14 ], D number ( Decayed Teeth number ) [ 14 ] and PI ( Plaque Index simplified index ) [ 15 ]. DMFT Index reflects individual caries exposition in the lifespan.…”

“…DMFT Index reflects individual caries exposition in the lifespan. According to the definition is the sum of teeth: with caries (D), teeth extracted due to caries (M) and teeth with fillings (F) [ 14 ]. The number of carious lesions (D) is the first component of the DMFT index [ 14 ].…”