What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess dietary patterns and oral hygiene practices as they relate to dental caries among children in urban informal settlements.

June 27, 2026Open Access

Dietary patterns and oral health practices among primary school children aged 6–15 years in urban informal settlements of Eldoret City, Kenya

FWFlorence WandiaUniversity of Kabianga JWJoel WanzalaUniversity of Kabianga

Key Points

This study aims to assess dietary patterns and oral hygiene practices as they relate to dental caries among children in urban informal settlements.
School-based cross-sectional design with 407 children aged 6–15 years
Proportionate stratified random sampling used for selection
Data analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models to assess associations with dental caries.
The prevalence of dental caries was 26.0% (95% CI: 21.8–30.3).
Higher odds of dental caries were linked to daily consumption of sweets (AOR = 2.42; p = 0.006) and brushing less than twice daily (AOR = 2.92; p = 0.023).
Using non-fluoride toothpaste was associated with higher odds of dental caries (AOR = 1.83; p = 0.043).

Abstract

Abstract Background Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among school-aged children, disproportionately affecting those in informal settlements where dietary risks and preventive oral health services are limited. Aim This study assessed dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices, and their association with dental caries among primary school children aged 6–15 years in informal settlements of Eldoret City in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Methods The study adopted a school-based cross-sectional design and involved 407 primary school children selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a validated and pretested structured questionnaire, while clinical oral assessment was based on WHO field guidelines for the examination of dental caries. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.26. Chi-square tests assessed associations, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent dietary patterns and oral hygiene practices associated with dental caries. Results Out of 407 children, 55.3% were females, and their average mean age was 12.15 ± 2.98 years. The prevalence of dental caries was 26.0% (95% CI: 21.8–30.3). Daily consumption of sugary foods and beverages and suboptimal oral hygiene practices were relatively high. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed daily intake of biscuits, cakes, sweet pies, and buns (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.36–3.74; p = 0.004), daily consumption of sweets and candy (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.35–3.91; p = 0.006), brushing less than twice daily (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.18–3.87; p = 0.023), and not using fluoride toothpaste (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.12–2.61; p = 0.043) were independently associated with higher odds of dental caries among primary school children. Conclusion Integrated school- and community-based prevention strategies targeting dietary patterns and oral hygiene promotion are urgently needed to reduce preventable oral health inequities among vulnerable schoolchildren.

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