Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective: To explore the possible association between weight class and prevalence of caries among children born 2005-2007, living in Nuuk, Greenland, at time of school entry.Design: A cross-sectional register study based on data from electronic medical records(EMR) and oral health data from public health and dental care facilities.Methods: Data from routine examinations of children at time of primary school entry, including height and weight, were obtained from the EMRs. Dental charts recording oral health and caries were collected from public dental healthcare service. The prevalence of caries was calculated as the proportion of included children with dft score (decayed and/or filled non-permanent teeth) ≥1.Results: 55%(373/681) had relevant data recorded in EMRs and dental charts, and could be included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries was 57.1%(213/373). The prevalence of caries increased with higher weight class,but no statistically significant trend was observed(p=0.063).Conclusions: Increasing prevalence of caries with increasing weight class was observed in this study. A linear trend could not be confirmed statistically. The high prevalence of caries and overweight indicate the need for continued focus on preventative initiatives and monitoring. A combined strategy targeting both caries and overweight may be considered.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity are serious health issues
This study was performed as a cross-sectional register study based on data from electronic medical records (EMRs) and dental charts from the dental service in Nuuk, Greenland
509 had weight and height details recorded in their EMRs
Summary
This study was performed as a cross-sectional register study based on data from electronic medical records (EMRs) and dental charts from the dental service in Nuuk, Greenland. At 6 years of age, during enrolment in primary school, the children are examined by specialised nurses who, among other parameters, record the children’s height and weight. Data are recorded in the EMRs and used by the primary health care services in Nuuk. The study population was defined as all children with a permanent address in Nuuk, born in the years 2005–2007, who at school enrolment around at the age of 6 years attended routine health examinations with the registration of height and weight in their EMRs. Children with missing data on height or weight were not included in the study. The population in Nuuk as of 1 January 2010 was used as the background population. pvalues below 0.05 were considered significant
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