Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Internally Displaced Libyan Children in Benghazi / Libya - Tawrgha Camps

Abstract

Background: In Libya, about (245,483) Libyans are still internally displaced for different reasons. Of these, about (40,000, or 8,500) heads of families, are from Tawrgha city. There are currently more than 40 IDP camps across the country. In addition, Oral health is a critical indicator that may be used to determine a person's overall health. Little is known about the oral health status and treatment needs of children living in IDP camps. Objective: The present study was conducted to explore the oral health, treatment needs and OHRQoL of IDP children and inform future public health programs and policymakers. Methods and materials: An observational, cross-sectional survey using both clinical examination and a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among children of ages 8-15 years, living in tawrgha camps in the city of Benghazi. The study used both a validated, self-administered questionnaire and a clinical assessment to collect data from the participants. The questionnaire explored the socio-demographic characteristics and oral health behaviors of the participant as well as the Arabic COHIP-SF19. Results: A total number of 358 (191 male and 167 female) IDP children were recruited. Participants showed a higher prevalence of dental caries (275, 76.6%) than Benghazi children (193, 53.20%). However, the IDP children had lower filling teeth rate (2, 0.6%) than Benghazi children (6, 6%). The data reveal that the caries prevalence was different between camps. The garuons camp showed the highest caries experience (4.26, SD=3.48), then The red crescent and sport city camps at (4.28, SD=3.35) and (3.5, SD=2.95) respectively. the lowest caries prevalence was in alhalis camp (2.60, SD=2.69). About (149, 41.6%) of the sample showed no singe of dental fluorosis. however, the severe form of it was found in (3, 0.8%). The vast majority of the participants had no sign of injury. Only few participants have traumatic injuries. The low prevalence of dental trauma (31, 8.7%). Almost all of the study participants showed no sign of erosion (308, 86%). Additionally, the data reveals that in the overall OHEQol score tawrgha children had (58.32, SD=1352) while the Benghazi children had (61.13, SD=12.97). Conclusion: The dental caries prevalence was high while dental erosion and dental trauma were relatively low among IDP children compared to children living in Benghazi. Camps that are away from the city center and supermarkets appeared to have lower caries rates Observed.