Investigation of Oral Health in Children from Urban Slums of Nairobi, Kenya

TL;DR

This study examines the oral health of children in Nairobi's slums and identifies factors like diet, dental care, and malocclusions that affect their dental health.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the specific dental health determinants in Nairobi's urban slum children using multivariate statistical models.

Findings

Oral health in Nairobi slum children is influenced by age, toothbrush use, and bite type.

Dietary habits significantly impact susceptibility to dental caries.

Fluorosis increases caries risk, while recent dental visits are protective.

Abstract

For children living in the urban slums of Nairobi (Kenya), primary health conditions are not guaranteed, and oral diseases add further concern at social and institutional levels beyond the general poverty conditions. This study aims at determining the factors that influence the oral health status of children living in Nairobi slums. A cross-sectional study on school-aged subjects was conducted in June 2022 in three urban slum areas of Nairobi through a pediatric dental screening. The PI (Plaque Index), CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs), and dmft (decayed, missing, and filled teeth index—deciduous) were considered as primary outcomes of dental health. Multivariate statistical analysis, based on ordinal and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, was conducted to identify determinants of the oral outcomes in a wide set of potential predictors. A sample of 359 children aged 2–17 was examined. The PI was significantly associated with age, the type of bite, and the use of a toothbrush. The CPITN is influenced by different types of malocclusions, abnormal frenulum, dental trauma, and fluorosis. Dietary habits were found to significantly impact the susceptibility to dental caries. Fluorosis and a dental visit in the last year were highlighted as risk and protective factors, respectively, against higher rates of caries. The oral health features of children living in Nairobi slums are differently affected by socio-demographic conditions, dietary habits, dental characteristics, and oral care practices.

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