Oral Health Indices among Secondary School Students in Assiut Governorate; Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background & Objective(s): There is limited published data on Egyptian oral epidemiologic health status especially among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate oral health status and their associated variables among secondary school students in Asyut Governorate; Upper Egypt. Methods: : A cross sectional study was conducted on 872 students using a representative sample from public, private and technical secondary schools. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including inquires about sociodemographic data, oral health behaviors and self-perception of oral health. Oral health was assessed by Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index (DMFT), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and Basic Periodontal Examination index (BPE). Results: Prevalence of oral health diseases was as follow; dental caries was 47.5%, gingivitis was 31%, while periodontitis was 15.7%. About 80% of the students owned a toothbrush; however 25% of them never perform teeth brushing. Unfavorable OHI-S score was significantly positively correlated with worse DMFT and BPE scores. Concurrently, BPE index was significantly positively correlated with DMFT index. Females had higher risk for unfavorable DMFT scores compared to males. Increased age, female gender, enrollment in technical schools, and bad/ unknown self-perception of oral health were significant predictors of worse periodontal scores. The significant predictors of worse oral hygienic scores were increased age, enrollment in technical schools, and bad/ unknown self-perception of oral health. Conclusion: Considerable proportions of students suffered from oral health disorders. Unfavorable oral health indices were related to female gender, technical school enrollment, increasing age and bad/unknown self-perception of oral health. Oral health indices are compatible with each other; where healthier oral hygiene condition is correlated with better dental and periodontal oral health statuses. Superior periodontal status is correlated with favorable dental condition.