Factors associated with caregivers' perception of children's health and oral health status: A study of 6- to 36-month-olds in Uganda

Background. The impact of oral diseases on quality of life of children and their families has not been thoroughly investigated. Aim. Focusing on Ugandan infants aged 6-36 months and their caregivers, this study examined the degree to which clinical and psychosocial factors were associated with caregivers' overall evaluation of their children's oral health and health status. Design. Eight hundred and sixteen children were examined for dental caries and anthropometric status in 2007. A questionnaire was completed by the caregivers. Results. Poor child oral health was reported by 40.2% and 17.5% of caregivers who reported their children's health as, respectively, poor and good. Having the least family wealth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9] and reporting distressed family activities (OR = 2.3) were associated with higher odds of reporting poor child oral health, whereas being a rural resident (OR = 0.4) and reporting no symptoms during tooth eruption (OR = 0.3) were associated with lower odds. Perception of poor child oral health (OR = 2.8) and having the least family wealth (OR = 1.7) were associated with higher odds of reporting poor child health status, whereas no stunting was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.5). Conclusion. The results support the growing recognition of oral health as a predictor of health and well-being in early childhood. © 2009 BSPD, IAPD and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.