Authors: Enida Petro, Manola Kelmendi, Dorjan Hysi, Etleva Droboniku, Celjana Toti

DOI: To be acquired

Keywords: early childhood caries, socio-economic status, preschool children, Tirana

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a destructive form of caries that affects the primary teeth and may be present in children of very young age, as early as teeth erupt. Socio-Economic Status (SES) shows the level of education, level of income and employment. Low SES of parents increases the level of risk for ECC of their children. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries among preschool children and to evaluate its association with socio-economic status.
Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Tirana city. 6 out of 42 public kindergartens were randomly selected. Children 3 to 5 years old (n=904) were included in this study. Information was obtained through structured questionnaires that were completed by parents and intraoral examination of children. Screening, diagnosis and recording of the subjects in this study were obtained according to WHO criteria (1997). Caries severity of ECC was assessed using dmft, according to classification of AAPD (2008). The data collected were statistically analyzed by SPSS.18 software. Descriptive statistics and the Chi square test were used and the level of significance was set as p < 0.05.
Results: Prevalence of ECC was 91% (823/904). 62.1% (561/904) of the children suffered severe ECC with a mean dmft = 6.45 (SD±4.25). The severity of ECC was lower in children whose mothers had higher levels of education (p <0.001). The lower and medium income level was associated with higher ECC (p < 0.001). The educational level of the mother and family income level had a statistically significant correlation with dmft index (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of ECC and the mean dmft are very high in preschool children of Tirana. The results show significant association between early childhood caries and socio-economic status. For preschool children who live in households with low income level, should be offered better opportunities for access to public dental service.