Community perceptions on the practice of nylon teeth extraction (gum mutilation) and factors associated with its continuity in Serengeti district - Mara region, Tanzania

Abstract

A Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Serengeti district Mara region in June 2003. It involved interviewing 285 selected mothers and/guardians of children aged 0-24 months in order to get insights into the subject of investigation. The main objective was to explore local people's perceptions and associated factors on the practice of nylon teeth extraction with a view of eliciting information that may influence the design of appropriate intervention measures so as to effect changes against the persistence of the cultural practice, which has negative impact on health. Field data collection was conducted in Serengeti, Mara region, Tanzania where through anecdotal reports it is rampant. Data was analyzed using the Epi -info statistical package. The prevalence of tooth bud extraction among children 0 - 24 months was found to be 64.9% (The actual figure is expected to be higher than this in the absence of the study limitations encountered). Cure of ill-health conditions associated with infancy was perceived by most of the respondents, 93.7% as a reason for tooth bud extraction responsible for the existence of the practice and that tooth bud extraction is the only way of rescuing children's lives. Persistence of the practice is based on this strong constructed cultural belief. The study leads to the following recommendations: Parents/guardians should be encouraged to send their children in ill-health conditions to any health facility where it will be determined whether it is really the teething process or an illness and treatment given. There is need to ensure that health services are available to the community.