Xiao-Li Gao1, Colman McGrath, Huan-Cai Lin. 1. Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. gaoxl@hkucc.hku.hk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In China, there is a massive rural-urban migration and the children of migrants are often unregistered residents (a 'floating population'). AIM: This pilot study aimed to profile the oral health of migrant children in South China's principal city of migration and identify its socio-demographic/behavioural determinants. DESIGN: An epidemiological survey was conducted in an area of Guangzhou among 5-year-old migrant children (n = 138) who received oral examinations according to the World Health Organization criteria. Parents' oral health knowledge/attitude, child practices, and impact of children's oral health on their quality-of-life (QoL) were assessed. RESULTS: The caries rate and mean (SD) dmft were 86% and 5.17 (4.16), respectively, higher than those national statistics for both rural and urban areas (P < 0.05). Oral hygiene was satisfactory (DI-S < 1.0) in 3% of children. Oral health impacts on QoL were considerable; 60% reported one or more impacts. 58% variance in 'dmft' was explained by 'non-local-born', 'low-educated parents', 'bedtime feeding', 'parental unawareness of fluoride's effect and importance of teeth', and 'poor oral hygiene' (all P < 0.05). 'Non-local-born' and 'dmft' indicated poor oral health-related QoL (both P < 0.05), accounting for 32% of variance. CONCLUSION: Oral health is poor among rural-urban migrant children and requires effective interventions in targeted sub-groups.
BACKGROUND: In China, there is a massive rural-urban migration and the children of migrants are often unregistered residents (a 'floating population'). AIM: This pilot study aimed to profile the oral health of migrant children in South China's principal city of migration and identify its socio-demographic/behavioural determinants. DESIGN: An epidemiological survey was conducted in an area of Guangzhou among 5-year-old migrant children (n = 138) who received oral examinations according to the World Health Organization criteria. Parents' oral health knowledge/attitude, child practices, and impact of children's oral health on their quality-of-life (QoL) were assessed. RESULTS: The caries rate and mean (SD) dmft were 86% and 5.17 (4.16), respectively, higher than those national statistics for both rural and urban areas (P < 0.05). Oral hygiene was satisfactory (DI-S < 1.0) in 3% of children. Oral health impacts on QoL were considerable; 60% reported one or more impacts. 58% variance in 'dmft' was explained by 'non-local-born', 'low-educated parents', 'bedtime feeding', 'parental unawareness of fluoride's effect and importance of teeth', and 'poor oral hygiene' (all P < 0.05). 'Non-local-born' and 'dmft' indicated poor oral health-related QoL (both P < 0.05), accounting for 32% of variance. CONCLUSION: Oral health is poor among rural-urban migrant children and requires effective interventions in targeted sub-groups.