Dental caries experience in 2-15- year-olds living with HIV in Nairobi and Mombasa

Abstract

Title of the article: Dental caries experience in 2-15 year old children living with HIV in Nairobi and Mombasa "Kenya". Background: Dental caries affects children both healthy and those living with HIV. Aims: To determine the dental caries prevalence and association with dental parameters, HIV related oral lesions, oral health practices, immune status and use of ARV’s. Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 237 children aged 2-15 years. A specially structured questionnaire captured demographic data, oral health practices, oral complaints. Plaque scores, gingivitis and dental caries were recorded `in a modified WHO form. Data on ARV use and immune suppression state were obtained from the medical records. Data was analysed using the SPSS software version 17. Results: 237 children confirmed with HIV aged 2-15 years (mean age=7.5 years) were assessed. The deciduous dentition caries prevalence was 84.4% with a mean dmft of 6.38(± SD5.45). Caries prevalence in the permanent dentition was 78.3% and the mean DMFT score was 3.35 (± SD 3.55).Significant associations were also noted when comparing dental caries with oral hygiene status, gingivitis, presence of HIV oral manifestations, immune suppression state and oral complaints of pain(p