Abstract:
Abstract: There has been no research on the prevalence of and factors associated with dental caries
in rural southwestern Tanzania among schoolchildren. Determining the prevalence of and factors
associated with dental caries will help to assess the need for dental intervention and prophylactic
measures among children in the region. In February 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted
in the Wanging’ombe District of the Ilembula Ward. The data were collected through clinical
examinations and personal interviews at two primary schools. Univariable and multivariable logistic
regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk indicators for caries. The study included
319 students aged 11–12 years (average 11.92 0.27 years). The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled
Teeth index was 0.24 0.68, and the mean Specific affected Caries Index was 1.66 0.9. The greatest
influences on the caries risk were poor oral hygiene (OR 8.05, 95% CI 0.49–133.23), low tooth brushing
frequency (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.26–7.26) and low level of education in parents (OR 2.63, 95% CI
0.99–6.98). Dental caries was low among students in rural areas in the Wanging’ombe District
