IADR Abstract Archives
Prevalence of dental malocclusion among adolescents aged 15 years old in Mahdia, Tunisia
Objectives: Although malocclusions represent a serious public health issue, there is insufficient information about this problem in adolescents in Tunisia, especially in poorer areas. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dental malocclusion (DM), and orofacial dysfunctions among adolescents in Mahdia, Tunisia and to correlate the results with individual, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors.
Methods: It is a cross-sectional survey. The study included 900 students aged 15 years and randomly selected from 18 schools out of 22. Clinical data were collected through an oral examination. The Chi-square test was used for correlations with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Girls were predominant in 64.6% (n=581), compared to boys (n=319,35.4%). Most of the individuals came from urban areas (93.2%). The study revealed that DM prevalence was high (62,3%). A significant association was found between DM and breathing (p=0.005) or deglutition disorders (p<0.001). Indeed, there was a statistical relation between DM and superior labial (p=0.01) and lingual frenum malposition (p=0.001). Socioeconomic variables were not associated to DM.
Conclusions: The present study shows a high prevalence of dental malocclusion among adolescents. There is a need to improve public health plans for orthodontic prevention in Mahdia region.
Methods: It is a cross-sectional survey. The study included 900 students aged 15 years and randomly selected from 18 schools out of 22. Clinical data were collected through an oral examination. The Chi-square test was used for correlations with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Girls were predominant in 64.6% (n=581), compared to boys (n=319,35.4%). Most of the individuals came from urban areas (93.2%). The study revealed that DM prevalence was high (62,3%). A significant association was found between DM and breathing (p=0.005) or deglutition disorders (p<0.001). Indeed, there was a statistical relation between DM and superior labial (p=0.01) and lingual frenum malposition (p=0.001). Socioeconomic variables were not associated to DM.
Conclusions: The present study shows a high prevalence of dental malocclusion among adolescents. There is a need to improve public health plans for orthodontic prevention in Mahdia region.