Prevalence of primary teeth extraction and associated factors among under five children in Adea Berga Woreda, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of primary teeth extraction and associated factors among children under 5 years old living in Adea Berga Woreda, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Design A community-based cross-sectional study using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants/setting A total of 542 caregivers of under-five children participated in the study, which was conducted in Adea Berga Woreda, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, from 1 to 30 July 2024. Main outcome Prevalence of primary teeth extraction among under-five children. Results Of the 550 study participants, 542 responded, yielding a response rate of 98.5%. The prevalence of primary teeth extraction was 14.02%. Factors significantly associated with primary tooth extraction included residence (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.33; 95%CI 1.27 to 4.28), having information about scientific solutions for teething symptoms (AOR 2.10; 95%CI 1.16 to 3.79), a history of traditional medicine use (AOR 5.68; 95%CI 3.06 to 10.55), and the primary teeth extraction is traditional practice in the community (AOR 3.79; 95%CI 2.06 to 6.97). Conclusions Primary teeth extraction is a significant public health issue in the study area. Living in rural areas, lacking information about scientific treatments for teething symptoms, the traditional practice of primary teeth extraction and a history of using traditional medicines were identified as predictors of primary tooth extraction.