Assessment of treatment-related changes in quality of life among prescholers with early childhood caries using the naija-ecohis

Nzomiwu CL; Imasuen H; Adekoya NM; Osunde OD

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i2.1053

Authors

Nzomiwu CL Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Imasuen H Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Adekoya NM Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Osunde OD Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i2.1053

Abstract

Context: Early Childhood Caries (ECC), a major public health concern, significantly affects general health and the quality of life (QoL) of preschool children.

Objectives: To assess the QoL of preschoolers using the Nigerian Pidgin English version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (NAIJA-ECOHIS) before and after treatment.

Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted among preschoolers aged 2-5 years presenting with ECC. Parents/caregivers completed the NAIJA-ECOHIS questionnaire at baseline, and at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, to evaluate changes in QoL following treatment of ECC. Treatment included restorations, extractions, pulp therapy, and preventive care. Data were analysed using SPSS, comparing pre- and post-treatment scores, paired t-tests assessed changes in quality of life over time while repeated measures of Analysis of Variance assessed changes across three time points.

Results: A total of 120 preschoolers participated, with a mean age of 4.34 ± 0.80 years; females constituted 53.3%. At presentation, pain (82.5%) was the most frequently reported complaint. Mean NAIJA-ECOHIS scores decreased from 12.42±6.84 at baseline to 1.43±2.16 at two weeks and 0.79±1.24 at four weeks post-treatment. The child symptom domain and self image domain demonstrated largest and least effect sizes respectively. There were significant differences between all pre- treatments scores and four weeks’ post-treatment scores. (p < 0.001)

Conclusion: ECC had a significant negative impact on daily functioning of preschoolers and caused considerable distress to families. Dental treatment significantly improved their QoL with the child symptom domain being the most improved.