Prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5–15 years from 9 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Dental caries affects all age groups, although children are affected to a greater extent. Several studies have assessed the prevalence of dental caries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, prevalence data for dental caries have not been pooled for all countries in the Region. Aims: To estimate by meta-analysis the pooled prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5–15 years in the Region. Methods: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42016037157. Twenty-one studies (37 estimates) were identified through systematic search for articles published between 1 January 2005 and 5 July 2018. The required data from each article were extracted into the datasheet. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed for the overall age group and for age 5, 12 and 15 years individually. Results: Data were available for only 9 of the 21 countries in the Region. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2>98%). There was considerable variation among the countries for the prevalence of dental caries at different ages. The pooled prevalence for deciduous dentition in children aged 5 years was 65% (45–85%); 61% (50–72%) for permanent dentition in children aged 12 years; 70% (64–75%) for children aged 15 years; and 66% (59–73%) for children aged 6–15 years. The most common index used for oral examination to calculate caries experience was WHO Basic Oral Health Survey Criteria, 1997. Conclusions: Dental caries continues to be an oral health concern among children in 9 countries in the Region.