Abstract

Gingival Health of Internally Displaced Children living in Baghdad Camps

Author(s):Athraa M. Alwaheb and Akram F. Alhuwaizi

Background: The internally displaced children (IDC) are vulnerable groups who have less access to dental services, worse oral health, and bear the inappropriate burden of oral diseases. The inaccessibility of prevention and treatment services directly impact the treatment options and costs. This study was conducted on a group of internally displaced children living in Baghdad governorate camps to measure their gingival health status through assessing the effect of displacement conditions on gingival health. Patients and methods: Samples of 1393 children were selected, 567 were internally displaced children from camps in Baghdad governorate and 826 were school children. Oral health education and questionnaire were conducted, and then oral examination was performed using WHO 2013 criteria. The gingival health was evaluated by CPI probe. Results: Gingival bleeding prevalence (score 1) for IDC was found to be 60.8% which is significantly higher in comparison to school children (33.4%). Boys had a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding than girls for both groups, and more prevalent in IDC than school children in all parent’s levels of education with statistical significance for both parents. Self-assessment of children towards their gingival health was significantly associated with both the groups of children. Conclusion: This survey highlighted the need for internally displaced children and those with low socioeconomic status, dental health education programs and preventive measures and give information for monitoring the gingival health which is helpful for performing the health service programs.

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