Caries Experiences and Predictive Factors of Dental Caries in the Working Age Group in Phon Thong, Roi-et Province
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Abstract
Objective: To explore caries experiences and evaluate the predictive factors of dental caries in the working age group.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in a working age group of 250 people aged between 18-59 years in Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province. Data were collected between July and October 2023. The questionnaires and oral health records were used for data collection. The content validity represented by IOC was between 0.67-1. The reliability of the questionnaire ranged from 0.82–0.92. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression with stepwise method.
Results: The study showed that 68.8% were female. The average age was 46.58 years (SD=10.53). Data from oral health examination revealed that most participants had dental caries (80%). The caries experience score (given as DMFT score) was 9.2 teeth/person. When analyzing the predictive factors of dental caries, the finding indicated that age (β=0.17, p=0.006), oral health literacy (β=-0.18, p=0.007) and oral health behaviors (β=-0.19, p=0.006) statistically predicted 17% of the number of dental caries in the working- age group (R2=0.17, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Factors predicting dental caries in working-age population included age, oral health literacy and oral health behaviors. These results can be used as basic information to prevent dental caries by enhancing oral health literacy and promoting oral health behaviors.
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