Investigating Dental Caries Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Children Under 18 in Tripoli and Derna, Libya

Abstract

Purpose: Despite existing studies on dental caries in children, limited research has comprehensively addressed the interplay of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and environmental risk factors within the Libyan context, particularly in Tripoli and Derna. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of dental caries and the associated risk factors among children under 18 years in these cities, providing evidence-based insights for targeted interventions.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, engaging 1,000 participants, equally divided between Tripoli and Derna, selected through convenience sampling. The study focused on children under 18 years, with parents completing the questionnaires for those aged under 16. The survey instrument was designed to assess demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and risk factors associated with the prevalence and severity of dental caries. Six hypotheses were tested, examining associations between caries prevalence and demographic variables, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, access to dental care, cultural influences, and clinical risk indicators. The questionnaire underwent rigorous reliability and validity testing. Initially developed in English, it was translated into Arabic using the back-translation method, to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness. Data collection took place over the course of one year, utilizing both paper-based forms distributed during dental visits and online links shared via platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Statistical analyses, including both descriptive and inferential methods, were conducted using SPSS version 28 to evaluate the six hypotheses.

Results: The study sample included 1,000 participants evenly split between Tripoli and Derna, with ages ranging from 3 to 18 years and a gender distribution of 55% male and 45% female. The findings revealed significant associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as parental education and household income, and the prevalence of dental caries (r (1000) = 0.215, p = 0.011). Oral hygiene behaviours, including frequent tooth brushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste, were inversely correlated with caries severity (r(1000) = -0.187, p = 0.023). Dietary habits also showed strong associations: frequent consumption of sugary snacks was positively correlated with caries prevalence, while the consumption of non-sweet snacks demonstrated a negative correlation (r(1000) = 0.198, p = 0.009). Access to dental care and cultural practices also significantly influenced caries prevalence and severity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the multifactorial nature of dental caries among children in Tripoli and Derna. Socioeconomic status, oral hygiene behaviours, dietary habits, and access to care all play critical roles in shaping paediatric oral health outcomes. These results support the need for tailored, multidimensional public health strategies to reduce the burden of dental caries among Libyan children.