Publication: Effects of dental caries on nutritional status among first-grade primary school children
Issued Date
2009-04-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10105395
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-62849103869
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. Vol.21, No.2 (2009), 177-183
Suggested Citation
Yaowaluk Ngoenwiwatkul, Niramon Leela-Adisorn Effects of dental caries on nutritional status among first-grade primary school children. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. Vol.21, No.2 (2009), 177-183. doi:10.1177/1010539509331787 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/28119
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Title
Effects of dental caries on nutritional status among first-grade primary school children
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore association between caries prevalence and nutritional status among first-grade primary school children. A cross-sectional study of 212 students was conducted. All students were weighed and measured and then the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Each student underwent dental examination and was interviewed. Overall, caries prevalence was 80.2% and the average decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs) were 12.4 ± 12.3. Although none of the students was in the underweight category, 45.8% were in low percentile (5th < BMI-for-age < 15th). Multiple logistic regression showed that each extra carious surface (dmfs) increased the odds of being at risk for underweight (5th < BMI-for-age < 15th) by 3.1% after adjusting for gender and dental visits. Our findings stressed that caries has significant implications on overall child health and health personnel should increase awareness of negative impacts and promote healthy nutritional choices for children. © 2009 APJPH.