Analysis of Factors Associated with Dental Caries Among Students
Abstract
Dental caries remains a common oral health problem among school-age children. The occurrence of caries is influenced by various factors, including the consumption of cariogenic foods, oral hygiene, fluoride use, and individual and socioeconomic characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of dental caries among students of SMP Negeri 1 Tanjung Lubuk in the working area of Pengarayan Public Health Center, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, in 2026. This study employed a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 96 respondents selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that 44.8% of respondents had dental caries, while 55.2% did not. There were significant associations between the consumption of cariogenic foods (PR = 0.429), oral hygiene/toothbrushing behavior (PR = 6.857), and fluoride use (PR = 0.353) with the incidence of dental caries. No significant associations were found between age, sex, and socioeconomic status with the incidence of dental caries. Multivariate analysis showed that oral hygiene was the most dominant factor associated with the incidence of dental caries (OR = 42.000). This study concludes that oral hygiene is the primary factor associated with the incidence of dental caries among students of SMP Negeri 1 Tanjung Lubuk. Strengthening promotive and preventive efforts through the School Dental Health Program (UKGS), education on proper toothbrushing, fluoride use, and control of cariogenic food consumption is needed.
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