SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT FIRST PRESENTATION AND DEFINITIVE TREATMENT DONE AT DENTAL CLINIC, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN.
Abstract
Background In children, dental caries, trauma, and malocclusion are frequent findings. It is important that the well-being of children is catered for adequately and promptly as this shapes the future of these young individuals. The sociodemographic characteristics of pediatric patients can significantly impact their access to health care services and the treatments they receive. It is important to understand how they relate in order to ensure equitable health care delivery and improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Aim It aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics of pediatric patients at first presentation and the definitive treatment done. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive case notes of children who presented first in 2022 was done till the minimum sample size of 320 was achieved and this covered a period of 9 months. Case notes of children with special health care needs were excluded. Using a proforma, secondary data was compiled. IBM SPSS software (version 26.0) was used for analysis. Results A total of 337 children’s case notes were studied, comprising of 48.1% males and 51.9% females. The mean age was 8.5 (±3.7) years. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, religion, birth order, tribe, number of children, family settings were noted during this study. The most common treatment done was Scaling and Polishing/ Reassurance (23.1%). The percentage of those who had treatment done is 78.5% while those who did not return for treatment was 28.5%. Conclusion The mean age of presentation is 8.5 (±3.7) years old. The commonest treatment done is scaling and polishing and reassurance. About 1/3rd of the patients did not follow up with their treatment. It is important that efforts such as public awareness/ education, school- based dental programs, affordable and accessible dental care, improved dental coverage in health insurance and, collaboration with pediatricians, are done in order to further reduce the mean age of presentation; as well as increase patients follow up with treatment. This would promote better oral health among children.
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