ABSTRACT
Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases affecting children and adult populations worldwide. The distribution and severity of dental caries vary in different parts of the world and within the same region or country. However, few studies have focused on the burden of caries among Nigerian adults. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the severity and pattern of dental caries among the adult population in the Kano metropolis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which adults were interviewed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Examiners used the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for assessing Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT). Field examinations were carried out under artificial light with a wooden spatula, dental mirror, and a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) probe. Results: Respondents' mean (±standard deviation (SD) age was 41.2 (±12.78) years. The mean DMFT for the population was 3.58 (±3.53). One-in-three respondents (33.3%) had very low DMFT while one in five (20.0%) had very high DMFT. Severe dental caries as indicated by very high DMFT were more prevalent among women (22.2%), respondents with informal education (61.5%), and those who had a family history of dental caries (28.4%). Conclusion: The severity of dental caries among the adult population in the Kano metropolis was low. Interventions should be focused on women, those with informal education and positive family history.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: We estimated the length-of-stay (LOS) in the health facility after childbirth and identified associated factors in three sub-Saharan African countries. Design: Secondary analysis using data from the most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Setting: Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys from Ghana, Malawi and Eswatini were selected. Participants: Women aged 15-49 years who had a facility delivery in the two years preceding the survey were included. Main outcome measures: Length-of-stay recorded in days and weeks were converted to hours and analysed as a continuous variable. Results: Length-of-stay was estimated for 9147 women, wherein 6610 women (median LOS and IQR: 36 36,60 hours), 1698 women (median LOS and IQR 36 10,60 hours) and 839 women (median-length-stay 36 36,60 hours) were from Malawi, Ghana and Eswatini respectively. Being from Ghana [RC, -20.6 (95%CI:-25.2 - -16.0)] and then Eswatini [RC: -13.0 (95%CI: -19.9 - -9.8)] and delivery in a government hospital [RC: -4.9 (95%CI -9.9- -0.3)] were independently associated with having a shorter LOS. Having a caesarean section, assistance by Nurses/Midwives or Auxiliaries/CHOs, single birth, heavier birth weight, and death of newborn before discharge increased the duration of stay. Conclusions: Necessitating and facility factors are important determinants of length of stay. Socio-demographic characteristics, however, have a restricted role in influencing the duration of postpartum stay in sub-Saharan Africa. Further prospective research is required to identify more determinants and provide evidence for policy formulation and clinical guidelines regarding the safest time for discharge after delivery. Funding: None declared.
