PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG STUDENTS OF OFUOMA SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OFUOMA-UGHELLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA
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PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG STUDENTS OF OFUOMA SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OFUOMA-UGHELLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA
Abstract
Dental caries remains a significant public health concern affecting children and adolescents worldwide, with implications for oral health, nutrition, and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among students of Ofuoma Secondary School in Ofuoma-Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving [insert number] students, aged [insert age range], selected through stratified random sampling. Oral examinations were performed using standard dental diagnostic criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013), and data on sociodemographic factors and oral hygiene practices were collected through structured questionnaires.
Results indicated that [insert prevalence %] of the students had dental caries, with a higher prevalence observed among [specify gender or age group if applicable]. The mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was [insert DMFT value], reflecting moderate severity. Significant associations were observed between dental caries prevalence and [insert significant factors such as poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar consumption, or parental education] (p < 0.05).
The findings highlight a moderate prevalence of dental caries among students in the study area, underscoring the need for enhanced oral health education, regular dental check-ups, and preventive interventions, such as fluoride use and dietary counseling. This study provides baseline data essential for planning school-based oral health programs and policies aimed at reducing the burden of dental caries among adolescents in rural Nigerian communities.
Keywords: Dental caries, prevalence, students, oral health, Ofuoma, Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting children and adolescents globally (Petersen & Ogawa, 2016). It is a multifactorial disease influenced by dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status, and access to dental care (Selwitz, Ismail, & Pitts, 2007). Dental caries can lead to pain, discomfort, loss of function, and even systemic infections if untreated, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals (Fejerskov, 2004).
In Nigeria, oral health problems among school-aged children remain a significant public health concern. Studies have shown varying prevalence rates of dental caries among Nigerian students, depending on geographic location, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices (Arowojolu et al., 2018; Okeigbemen et al., 2020). Despite efforts by the Nigerian government and health organizations to improve oral health awareness and services, dental caries remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in rural and semi-urban areas (Ajayi et al., 2015).
Ofuoma, located in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, is an area where little epidemiological data exist on oral health conditions among school-aged children. Understanding the prevalence of dental caries in this population is essential for guiding oral health interventions and policies tailored to the specific needs of the community.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Dental caries represents a major public health challenge worldwide and is particularly concerning among school-aged children due to its impact on growth, development, and academic performance (Petersen, 2003). In Nigeria, despite improvements in general healthcare, oral health services remain limited, particularly in semi-urban and rural communities.
Several studies have reported significant prevalence of dental caries among students in Nigeria (Okeigbemen et al., 2020; Arowojolu et al., 2018). However, specific data for Ofuoma Secondary School students in Ofuoma-Ughelli North Local Government is lacking. This knowledge gap impedes the planning and implementation of effective oral health programs in the community. Consequently, there is a need to determine the prevalence of dental caries among these students to inform interventions and promote preventive measures.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries among students of Ofuoma Secondary School, Ofuoma-Ughelli North Local Government, Nigeria. The specific objectives include:
To determine the prevalence of dental caries among students in Ofuoma Secondary School.
To identify the relationship between age, gender, and dental caries prevalence.
To assess the oral hygiene practices of students in relation to the occurrence of dental caries.
To provide recommendations for preventive oral health strategies within the school and community.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will seek to answer the following questions:
What is the prevalence of dental caries among students of Ofuoma Secondary School?
Is there a significant relationship between age and the prevalence of dental caries among students?
Does gender influence the prevalence of dental caries among students?
What are the oral hygiene practices of students, and how do they relate to dental caries occurrence?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The study will test the following hypotheses at a 5% level of significance:
H1: There is no significant relationship between age and the prevalence of dental caries among students of Ofuoma Secondary School.
H2: There is no significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries between male and female students.
H3: There is no significant association between students’ oral hygiene practices and the prevalence of dental caries.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several ways:
For Students: Understanding the prevalence of dental caries can increase awareness among students about the importance of oral hygiene and preventive dental care (Petersen & Ogawa, 2016).
For Parents and Guardians: The findings can help parents encourage and support proper oral hygiene practices at home.
For Health Practitioners: The study provides data for dental health professionals to design targeted interventions in school-based oral health programs (Fejerskov, 2004).
For Policy Makers: The results can guide policymakers in planning community-level oral health interventions in rural and semi-urban areas of Delta State, Nigeria.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on students of Ofuoma Secondary School, located in Ofuoma-Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The study will cover all students across junior and senior secondary classes, with particular attention to age, gender, and oral hygiene practices. The research is limited to the assessment of dental caries prevalence and does not cover other oral diseases such as periodontal disease or oral cancers.
1.8 Operational Definitions of Terms
Dental Caries: A localized destruction of susceptible dental hard tissues by acidic by-products from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates (Selwitz et al., 2007).
Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population having a specific condition at a given time (Arowojolu et al., 2018).
Oral Hygiene: Practices that maintain the cleanliness of the oral cavity, including tooth brushing and flossing (Fejerskov, 2004).
Secondary School Students: Individuals enrolled in junior and senior secondary education, typically aged 10–18 years.
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