Oral health in Hlabisa, KwaZulu/ Natal - A rural school and community based survey

Abstract

Aims: To investigate rates of dental caries and periodontal disease, available dental services and resources and perceived needs in a rural South African community. Design: A cross-sectional field study including situational analysis and focus group discussions. Setting: KwaZulu/ Natal, South Africa. Participants: A total of 520 children, adolescents and adults. Methods: WHO caries scores and periodontal CPI score were determined through clinical examinations in five age groups, 5-6 years, 12y, 15y, 35-54y, 55y+. Focus groups included ten 15-year-old children and ten adults. Results: Caries prevalences and (mean scores) were 5-6y 64% (dmft 3.0), 12y 24% (DMFT 0.4), 15y 27% (DMFT 0.8), 35-54 69% (DFT 2.6) and 55y+ 80% (DFT 2.7). Most caries was untreated and where present, treatment had been extraction. Dental caries rates were low and except for 5-6y were within WHO targets for the year 2000. Periodontal disease prevalence was high but would respond to improved oral hygiene. Knowledge of oral health was rudimentary. Conclusions: A district-wide oral health promotion programme is required preceded by research to define effective health education messages. Access to simple but effective preventive and curative services would seem reasonable. In view of the lack of resources ART is suggested as caries treatment. © 2000 FDI/World Dental Press.