Prevalence of dental caries and its association with nutritional status among school-going children from remote, rural communities of Pakistan
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Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and its association with nutritional status among school-going children in a remote rural community of district Swat, Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Swat from July to August 2023 among 482 children aged 10–16 years, selected through multistage sampling from public and private schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from WHO oral health surveys, anthropometric measurements, and clinical oral examination using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) based on WHO growth standards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version-29.
Results: Out of 482 elementary-level students assessed, 154 (32%) were females, with mean age of 12.9±2.73 years. Prevalence of dental caries was 250 (51.7%). Regarding nutritional status, 99 (20.5%) children were wasted, 46 (9.5%) were at risk of being overweight, and 12 (2.5%) were overweight/obese. A statistically significant difference was observed in BAZ scores between children with and without caries (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that higher BAZ scores were associated with a lower likelihood of dental caries. Additionally, oral healthcare-seeking behavior and self-reported feelings of frustration, depression, or irritation were significantly associated with dental caries (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively).
Conclusion: Dental caries is highly prevalent among school-going children in this rural setting and is significantly associated with poor nutritional status. Lower BAZ score is linked with increased caries risk. Integrated interventions addressing both oral health and nutrition are essential to improve child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
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