Self-reported dental pain and associated factors in Ugandan schoolchildren

Abstract

There is a limited amount of research on the prevalence and determinants of subjective oral health indicators in children. Objective: to assess the prevalence of self-reported dental pain and to explore its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics in 10-14 year olds attending primary schools. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during January-March 2004, including 11 public primary schools in Kampala, Uganda. A total of 614 children completed questionnaires administered in schools. Dental caries and plaque status were recorded in permanent teeth. Results: Experience with dental pain was confirmed by 42.1% boys and 52.3% girls. The crude prevalence of dental caries was 37.9% in boys and 42.1% in girls. Plaque was present on anterior teeth and 84.3% complained of at least one oral problem. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that reporting at least two oral problems (OR = 2.7), being dissatisfied with dental appearance (OR = 2.7) and having visited a dentist twice during the previous 3 years (OR = 2.2) were associated with higher odds of reported dental pain. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of school children had experience with dental pain. Dental pain associated positively with dental caries, subjective oral health indicators and dental attendance. Knowledge about the extent and significance of dental pain is important for the planning and evaluation of preventive and treatment efforts.