A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Association between Dental Caries and Oral Health Literacy among Adolescents in Tamil Nadu, India
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Dental Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Abstract: In India, prevalence and severity of dental caries is increasing due to an increase in the adoption of the ‘westernized diet’. There is little recognition for oral health education in the Indian school curriculum compared with general health education. The study’s aim was to measure the association between dental caries and the level of oral health literacy among an adolescent population residing in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. The study aim was addressed by a quantitative cross-sectional study measuring the association between oral health literacy and the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 974 adolescent school students (12-15 year-olds) living in either rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu, India. The severity of dental caries and prevalence of dental caries were associated with oral health literacy scores and results were statistically significant. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that factors such as gender, community and oral health literacy were significant predictors of dental caries. Scheduled Caste and Tribe populations living in rural areas and females attending public schools in either urban or rural areas were identified as the most vulnerable populations to be affected by high rates of dental caries. Development of oral health policies which are targeted efficiently to these adolescent populations are recommended for the Tamil Nadu region.. Keywords: Dental Caries, Health Promotion, Oral health literacy, Health Education, Epidemiology, Oral health promotion, Adolescent’s oral healthth, dental caries
Authors and Affiliations
Arthi Veerasamy, Professor Ray Kirk, Professor Jeffrey Gage
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP373217
- DOI -
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Comparison of Success Rate of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Performed By 5th and 6th Year Dental Students of Babol, Iran
Abstract: Pain management is a key factor in success of any dentist. Inferior alveolar nerve block is one of the most commonly used techniques to obtain mandibular anaesthesia. Due to importance of theoretical and practi...
Prevalence of Radix Entomolaris in Mandibular First Molars in south-eastern Iranian Population and series of case reports
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the prevalence of radix entomolaris in mandibular first molars in south-eastern population and series of case reports. Methods and materials: 750 mandibular firs...
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity: A Case Report
Abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 95% of malignant tumors of oral cavity. It usually affects individuals over 50 years of age and rarely occurs in individuals who are less than 40 years of age. We here descr...
SAARC-PT model: Endeavouring quality dental care
Abstract: India has more than 290 dental institutions producing over 25,000 BDS graduates. There has been a marked improvement in the dentist to population ratio from 1: 80,000 in 1980 to 1: 42,500 in 1990 and at present...
Negotiating the Turns: An Endodontic Management of Curved Canals of Mandibular Third Molar– A Case Report
Abstract: The aim of quality endodontic therapy has remained as it is since its establishment. Total removal of pulpal tissues with effective cleaning and shaping, followed by three dimensional obturation and coronal sea...