Malocclusions and Associated Factors among Children with Neuropsychological, Sensory and Physical Disabilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Malocclusions have negative impacts on oral health of children with disabilities. Knowledge on factors associated with malocclusions may help planning preventive measures, necessary for disabled children. The study objective was therefore to determine the prevalence of malocclusions and their associated factors among children with disabilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey that involved 384 children with neuropsychological, sensory and physical disabilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire for parents/teachers/caretakers and clinical examination to children, that was done using WHO (1997) criteria.

Results: Majority of the children were males and (60.4%) had malocclusion/s (69%). Most malocclusions were recorded in children with neuropsychological disabilities (75.9%), compared to Sensory (71.6%) and physically (66.7%) disabled children. Children with neuropsychological disabilities performed oral habits more (p<0.001) and had more problems with oral functions (p<0.05) than children from other groups of disabilities. Presence of overall malocclusions was significantly associated with factors such as swallowing problems (p<0.001), Oral habits (p<0.001), lip incompetence (p<0.05), toothache (p<0.05) and having an ulcer in the mouth (p<0.05). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, it was revealed that performing oral habits, absence of toothache history and having swallowing problems (p<0.05, odds ratios of 5.4, 0.5 and 11.5, respectively), were significant determinants of being found with overall malocclusions.  

Conclusion: Malocclusions were prevalent in a greater proportion (69%) of children with disabilities and were associated with factors such as problems with oral functions, performance of oral habits and having oral health problems.

Keywords: Malocclusion, disabled children, orthodontics, Tanzania

Cite this Article

Matilda Mtaya-Mlangwa, Venant Vedasto Byarugaba, Ferdinand Mabula Machibya. Malocclusions and Associated Factors among Children with Neuropsychological, Sensory and Physical Disabilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dentistry. 2017; 8(1): 17–26p.