Lutango Simangwa
University of Bergen, Norway
Title: Oral diseases and lifestyle factors in adolescents living in Maasai population areas of Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Biography
Biography: Lutango Simangwa
Abstract
Background & Aim: There are no reports on the associations between oral problems and lifestyle from adolescents in Maasai population areas. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral diseases/problems and identify associated lifestyle factors in adolescents living in Maasai population areas, Tanzania.
Methods: The sample comprised a random selection of 23 out of 66 rural public primary schools. Classes with children aged 12-14 years were identified from each school and all adolescents in selected class were invited to participate. A questionnaire investigating lifestyle factors (dietary/behavioral) and a clinical examination was done.
Results: Out of a total of 989 invited adolescents, 906 (91.6%) accepted to participate (age 12-17 years, mean 13.4 years, SD 1.2). The prevalence of oral diseases is presented in brackets: bleeding gums (40.9%), dental fluorosis (89.7%) and TMD pain (11.8%). Logistic regression analyses revealed: adolescents with low frequency of cleaning teeth (OR=10.0, CI: 5.0-16.7), those who used wooden toothbrush (OR=1.7, CI: 1.1-2.5) and those with poor oral hygiene (OR=50.0, CI: 14.3-100.0) were more likely to present with bleeding gums. Adolescents reported to use non-tap water (OR=14.0, CI: 3.3-59.3) and trona (OR=11.6, CI: 5.8-23.0) were more likely to present with dental fluorosis. Adolescents with eating problems (OR=3.1, CI: 1.7-5.8) and those reported to clench and/or grind their teeth (OR=2.8, CI: 1.8-4.5) were more likely to present with TMD pain.
Conclusions: Oral problems were common among adolescents from Maasai population areas and associated with lifestyle factors such as oral hygiene, dietary habits and tooth clenching.