Oral health status among orphan and non-orphan children in Mashhad: a case-control study

Abstract


Developing and modifying the policies of orphanages requires the availability of accurate information. This study aimed to compare caries and oral hygiene status among orphan and non-orphan children. This descriptive cross-sectional study took place in governmental orphanages and schools of both genders in Mashhad, Iran. The prevalence of caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index, and oral health status was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index – Simplified (OHI-S). The results were statistically analyzed using a t-test and Chi-Square test. The mean DMFT was 3.36 in orphans and 2.10 in non-orphan children, which was not statistically significant (p=0.6). The mean dmft was 9.01 in the orphan group and 5.26 in the non-orphan group, which was statistically significant (p=0.003). The average OHI-S index was 2.30 in the group of orphan children and 1.05 in the non-orphan children, presenting a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). The prevalence of caries, especially in deciduous teeth, was high among orphan children. The oral health status of these children was worse than that of children living at home. Consequently, there is a need for proper planning to promote the oral health of children living in orphanages.



Razie Meshki Leila Basir Shiva Motaghi Maryam Kazempour | source: Journal of Medicine and Life 175 |
Categories: Health


Other articles

THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL DEATH ON SCHOOL OUTCOMES: LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH AFRICA

We analyze longitudinal data from a demographic surveillance area (DSA) in KwaZulu-Natal to examine the impact of parental…

Read more

Orphan care: the role of the extended family in northern Uganda

This paper examines the traditional role of the extended family in orphan care in northern Uganda. The extended family provides…

Read more

AN EXAMINATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR HIV/AIDS ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN WA AND JIRAPA TOWNSHIPS OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Social protection involves choices about whether the core principle behind social provisioning will be universal or selective…

Read more

An investigation of factors leading to children becoming orphans and social problems orphans face in Limuru area

The care and support provision for orphans and vulnerable children is among of the greatest challenges that face Kenya today;…

Read more