Pongpichit, B;
(2006)
The prevalence and extent of school absences and factors related to absences caused by dental conditions and dental care in Thai schoolchildren.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Background. The prevalence and extent of school absences and factors related to the absences caused by dental conditions and dental care in schoolchildren has not been fully explored. School absenteeism is a potential marker for dental related quality of life of children. Objectives. To determine the prevalence and extent of school absences and factors related to the absences caused by dental conditions and dental care in 10- 12 year-old Grade 5 children in Lampang province, Thailand. Methods. Longitudinal study using multi-stage sampling on sample of 1,158 children in 8 state, 3 municipal and 6 private schools. Data on absences collected for one school year were obtained by recording daily school absences and recording time for dental care in school dental service clinics. Questionnaires administered to children and parents on school absence and dental impacts. Oral examinations were done to assess dental status. Results. Caries level was low (DMFT 1.4 1.7). Prevalence of school absences for all dental reasons was 22.5%. The mean school absence per year for dental care was 434 hours (613 hours when dental screening included) per 1,000 children. Average time missed per child was quite low 23 minutes. School absence for dental reasons paled into insignificance compared to medical and social reasons. Significant predictors for school absence for dental reasons were mother's educational level, family income, school type, dental care scheme and presence of decayed teeth. 83.2% had experienced a dental impact. Eating was the most commonly affected performance (67.2%) and 19.3% children had their studying affected. Decayed teeth were a significant predictor for dental impacts. Conclusions. The level of school absence for dental related conditions and care was low per child but cumulatively was considerable. School absence for dental reasons was associated with dental health status. Family related factors and dental care system also affected the prevalence of school absence for dental reasons.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | The prevalence and extent of school absences and factors related to absences caused by dental conditions and dental care in Thai schoolchildren |
| Identifier: | PQ ETD:593118 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. Third party copyright material has been removed from the ethesis. Images identifying individuals have been redacted or partially redacted to protect their identity. |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1445794 |
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