The Study of Demographic and Background Variables Effects on Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and Gingivitis Indicators Among Primary School Male Students (original) (raw)

2016, Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Background: Oral health is an important healthcare aspect and one of the main challenges in many societies, for its extensive and profound implications. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of demographic and background variables on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and gingivitis indicators, among primary school male students. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted with the participation of 1104 primary school male students, using census method, in Paveh city, Iran, in 2014. The data were collected via students' examination and interview, using a structured questionnaire. Two hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were applied in two steps, using the Enter method. Variables found to be associated with DMFT and gingivitis, in the univariate analysis, were included in multivariate regression model. The P values for entry and removal variables, in the stepwise regression model, were 0.05 and 0.15, respectively. Data were analysed using the SPSS 17.0 software and all P ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The obtained results showed that the average DMFT was 7.91 ± 3.78 and one third of the students had symptoms of gingival inflammation, whereas only five percent of them did not have any symptoms of decaying. The survey of demographic and background variables on DMFT and gingivitis indicators, in adjusted form, indicated that educational grade, parents' educational level, birth rank, father's job, daily brushing and dentistry periodic examination have a significant relationship with the assessed indicators (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated that there are major indicators affecting oral health status and it was believed that current study results and suggestions can pave the way for health care planners and policymakers.