The prevalence and factors associated with dental fluorosis among adolescents in central Sudan: a community-based cross-sectional study, 2025
摘要
Dental fluorosis is a significant public health issue in many parts of the world, including Sudan, where its prevalence and associated factors among adolescents are not well-documented. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental fluorosis among adolescents in Central Sudan.
MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2025 in Elrikieb, East Gezira, Central Sudan. Adolescents aged 10–19 years were enrolled using a multistage, stratified random sampling approach to achieve the required sample size (343). Data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, and environmental factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Dental fluorosis was assessed using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TFI). Participants with a TFI score of 4 or more were classified as having dental fluorosis. Univariate binary analysis was performed, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals; P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
ResultsA total of 343 adolescents [177 (51.6%) males and 166 (48.4%) females] were enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile, IQR) age and body mass index (BMI) were 14 (12–16) years and 16.3 (14.8–18.2) kg/m², respectively. The distribution of fluorosis was as follows: questionable (0.6%), very mild (16.9%), mild (21.0%), moderate (26.2%), severe (5.5%), and 29.7% were normal. Of the total, nearly one-third (31.8%) of enrolled adolescents had moderate to severe (TF score ≥ 4) dental fluorosis, giving the overall prevalence of dental fluorosis of 31.8% (109 adolescents).
Univariate analysis revealed no significant association between dental fluorosis and any of the investigated factors, including age, gender, BMI, tobacco use, parental education, parental occupation, or the presence of a smoker in the family (all p > 0.05).