RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The impact of oral diseases on quality of life of children and their families has not been thoroughly investigated. AIM: Focusing on Ugandan infants aged 6-36 months and their caregivers, this study examined the degree to which clinical and psychosocial factors were associated with caregivers' overall evaluation of their children's oral health and health status. DESIGN: Eight hundred and sixteen children were examined for dental caries and anthropometric status in 2007. A questionnaire was completed by the caregivers. RESULTS: Poor child oral health was reported by 40.2% and 17.5% of caregivers who reported their children's health as, respectively, poor and good. Having the least family wealth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9] and reporting distressed family activities (OR = 2.3) were associated with higher odds of reporting poor child oral health, whereas being a rural resident (OR = 0.4) and reporting no symptoms during tooth eruption (OR = 0.3) were associated with lower odds. Perception of poor child oral health (OR = 2.8) and having the least family wealth (OR = 1.7) were associated with higher odds of reporting poor child health status, whereas no stunting was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.5). CONCLUSION: The results support the growing recognition of oral health as a predictor of health and well-being in early childhood.
