Caries experience and related risk factors among Libyan adolescents in Sirte: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.67Keywords:
Dental caries caries experience Risk factors Adolescen DMFT IndexAbstract
Background: Dental caries remains a persistent global public health issue, yet region-specific epidemiological data were lacking for schoolchildren in Sirte, Libya. Objectives: This study aims to assess dental caries prevalence among 12- to 15-year-olds in Sirte and explore associated dietary, oral hygiene, and dental care access risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilising self-administered questionnaires and classroom clinical examinations was conducted among 1,047 participants using a two-stage cluster random sample. Caries and its clinical consequences were measured using WHO DMFT and PUFA indices, and data were analysed using SPSS 25. Results: Overall caries experience DMFT ≥1 was 51.4%, with a mean DMFT score of 1.14 ±1.54. Pulpal involvement was found in 35.8% of students (mean PUFA P score 0.66 ±1.06). Toothbrushing and toothpaste were reported by 97.52%, while dental floss usage was 11.75%. Significantly higher caries prevalence occurred among females (p=0.001), children of mothers with less than university education (p=0.011), and non-users of dental floss (p=0.012). Conclusion: Adolescents in Sirte experience a moderate overall caries burden alongside a high prevalence of advanced, untreated lesions and pulpal involvement. Significant demographic and behavioural disparities highlight an urgent public health need for targeted preventive initiatives and improved access to restorative care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Roba Idris El-refadi, Aisha Aloshiby, Nayrouz Salih Mahjoub, Amna Ahmed (Author)
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