IADR Abstract Archives
Caries prevalence among IDF recruits, an epidemiological study
Objectives: To describe prevalence of caries among 18 years old military recruits and to evaluate possible associations with personal and demographic variables.
Methods: The study was a cross sectional clustered randomised survey. Subjects were recruited to the study at their first day of military service. Subjects completed a questionnaire for personal and demographic data including: age, place of birth, residence information, education, medical status and current smoking status. Then subjects underwent clinical evaluation included DMFT by 5 calibrated clinicians using standard office chair with office mixed with natural window illumination. No radiographic evaluation was included in the current study. Univariate analysis included Chi square and ANOVA tests, and a linear regression.
Results: A total of 702 subjects were included in the study, 58.4% were males. Their mean age was 19.03±0.65 years, 91.3% of the participants were born in Israel. Most of the participants (79.4%) had finished high school and were eligible for a matriculation certificate. 46.7% (n=328) were caries free. Mean DMFT was 1.95±2.68. Higher DMFT score was significantly associated with subjects parents’ poor education (P<0.001), born outside of Israel (P=0.013) and a current smoker (P=0.003). After adjustments, all variables were significant predictors to higher DMFT except father's education.
Conclusions: The current study is a representative survey of Israeli young adults with some surprising and encouraging results of very low DMFT scores and high caries free rates comparing to published data.
Methods: The study was a cross sectional clustered randomised survey. Subjects were recruited to the study at their first day of military service. Subjects completed a questionnaire for personal and demographic data including: age, place of birth, residence information, education, medical status and current smoking status. Then subjects underwent clinical evaluation included DMFT by 5 calibrated clinicians using standard office chair with office mixed with natural window illumination. No radiographic evaluation was included in the current study. Univariate analysis included Chi square and ANOVA tests, and a linear regression.
Results: A total of 702 subjects were included in the study, 58.4% were males. Their mean age was 19.03±0.65 years, 91.3% of the participants were born in Israel. Most of the participants (79.4%) had finished high school and were eligible for a matriculation certificate. 46.7% (n=328) were caries free. Mean DMFT was 1.95±2.68. Higher DMFT score was significantly associated with subjects parents’ poor education (P<0.001), born outside of Israel (P=0.013) and a current smoker (P=0.003). After adjustments, all variables were significant predictors to higher DMFT except father's education.
Conclusions: The current study is a representative survey of Israeli young adults with some surprising and encouraging results of very low DMFT scores and high caries free rates comparing to published data.