PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AND ITS CORRELATES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN LUFWANYAMA DISTRICT, ZAMBIA

Introduction:Dental caries is the most common preventable oral disease affecting all ages and socioeconomic groups worldwide, and the effects on life in general are well observed. In order to formulate proper adequate preventive measures, policy makers need to have an idea of the magnitude of the problem. This is why it is very important to undertake and publish prevalence studies timely and regularly. There have never been a published study done among the population of our study. In this study, we aimed at establishing the prevalence of dental caries and its correlates among primary school going children in Lufwanyama district of Zambia. Methods:This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which a total number of 1228 primary school pupils from different schools of Lufwanyama district were asked questions from a structured questionnaire and responses recorded for each pupil. Dental examinations were also done on all participants by a qualified and legally registered dentist. Data were analyzed using Stata/MP 16 to generate frequencies, tables and tabulate associations like odds ratios. Results:A total of 1228 out of 1800 pupils participated in the survey, giving a response rate of 68 percent. Overall, 559 (45.5 percent) pupils were male. The overall prevalence of caries was 38.2 percent. Female pupils were 22 percent (AOR=1.22, 95% CI [1.06, 1.41]) more likely to have caries than male pupils. Pupils whose diet at home was predominantly sweet things and carbohydrates were 47 percent (AOR=1.47, 95% CI [1.25, 1.72]) more likely to have caries than pupils who had fruits, meat and vegetables at home. Meanwhile, pupils who had sweet things and carbohydrates at school were 76 percent (AOR=1.76, 95% CI [1.44, 2.15]) more likely to have caries than pupils who had fruits, meat and vegetables at school. Compared to pupils who brushed their teeth two times or more, those who brushed their teeth less than two times were 3.49 (95% CI [3.02, 4.05]) times more likely to have caries. Conclusion:The prevalence of dental caries among primary school going children is comparatively high in Lufwanyama district and many factors influence it. Dietary factors and dental/oral hygiene are the main influencers; all of which are modifiable factors. Dental caries greatly affects oral health; oral health have a huge effect on people’s quality of life, which in itself affects their general health status. For the caries prevalence to be lowered in this district, there will be need to invest in community programs that will keep on sensitizing people on good oral hygiene, oral health supportive-diets and the importance of regular dental checkups. Primordial and primary preventive measures to take center stage as they both cheaper and effective.