Examining the link between prevalence of severe early childhood caries and self-reported oral health and quality of life outcomes

Abstract

(60.6 vs. 49.6%), multiples (6.1 vs. 2.1%), prematurely born (67.7 vs. 11.7%), weighed less than 2500 grams (71.2 vs. 12.0%), were born in a breech position (26.1 vs. 3.5%), and were delivered by caesarean section (26.5 vs. 18.7%). Their mothers were more often younger than 20 years and 35 years and older [OR1⁄41.8], more often had a Maroon, Creole or Indigenous ethnicity [OR’s respectively 1.3, 2.1, 2.5], and were less often Hindustani [OR1⁄40.8] or Javanese [OR1⁄40.3]. Low birth weight, premature birth and a breech position were independently associated with a 6.6, 4.9 and 3.8 times increased risk of neonatal death, respectively. In addition, most babies (74%) died in the early neonatal period and within 24 hours after birth (34%), due to respiratory insufficiency as a result of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), which accounted for 53% of deaths, followed by sepsis/infection (24%) and congenital malformations (19%). Interpretation: Neonatal mortality in Suriname is high compared with more developed countries (5&) but is comparable with other countries in the Caribbean region (19&). Early neonatal death accounts for a large proportion of neonatal mortality in the multi-ethnic society of Suriname. Two-thirds of these infants are born prematurely and the timing of death is often in the first 24 hours after birth. More than half of the newborns died as a result of respiratory insufficiency. It is imperative that further measures are taken to reduce neonatal mortality. The initiation of a national neonatal intensive care unit would be a major step forward to achieve this goal. Funding: Ministry of Health Suriname and TNO Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research. Abstract #: 01SEDH037