Dental Caries Experience among HIV positive 6 – 12years old children attending comprehensive care center, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a major global public health problem. More than 95% of HIV –infected people live in developing countries; hence management of the infection has become one of the priority health issues in developing countries. The management includes ARV therapy and treatment of opportunistic infections. These medications have adverse effects on salivary flow, oral flora and may lead to an increase in caries experience. The objective of this study was to determine caries experience among HIV infected children .The study was a descriptive cross-sectional. The calculated sample size of 78 was not achieved instead a sample size of 49 was used Data collection was obtained through oral examination of children aged 6-12 years at Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC), Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Children were examined on an ordinary chair under natural sunlight, using diagnostic hand instruments, dental mirror and dental explorer. Disposable gloves were changed after every child and hand washing in between. Children’s hospital records were also used. Data collected was analyzed both manually and with aid of SPSS statistical analysis computer software. Of the 49 children who participated in the study 22(44.9%) were males while 27(55.1%) were females. The mean dmft/DMFT was 5.0(SD 2.6), 45(91.8%) had decayed teeth, 17(34.8%) missing teeth, while 8(16.3%) had filled teeth. The study revealed that children with highest cd4 counts (801-1200) had lowest mean dmft/DMFT (4.6), while those with the lowest cd4 counts (1-200) had the highest mean dmft (6.1).