Browsing by Author "Naidu, Rahul"

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    An historical overview of dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago
    (Department of History, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, 2010-04) Naidu, Rahul; Ramroop, Visha; Rafeek, Reisha
    The development of dentistry in the Caribbean had its beginnings largely in folk and lay practitioners providing dental care, before the arrival of qualified dentists and the establishment of an organised and self-regulating profession. Hence, in this respect the history of Caribbean dentistry parallels that of many European societies. This paper discusses dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago during British rule, the setting up of the government dental service and its development in the early post-colonial period, in particular the training and deployment of dental nurses. The introduction of dental legislation relating to self-regulation of the profession, ensuring standards of care and outlawing unlicensed dental practitioners is also explored, along with issues relating to the development of the regions’ first dental school and graduation of locally trained dentists.
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    Oral health among the elderly in 7 Latin American and Caribbean cities, 1999-2000: a cross-sectional study
    (2015-04-09) Singh, Hema; Maharaj, Rohan G; Naidu, Rahul
    Abstract Background To describe the prevalence of missing teeth, use of bridges and dentures and unmet dental needs among those aged 60 years and above. The associations of these conditions with socio-demographics, type 2 diabetes mellitus and depression were also studied. The work was carried out in 7 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) cities in 1999-2000. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted on the Survey of Health and Well-Being of Elders (SABE) dataset. The 7 cities were Buenos Aires, Bridgetown, São Paulo, Santiago, Havana, Mexico City and Montevideo. This survey did not employ any oral examinations. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and regression analysis were used to test for associations. Results Data for 10 902 persons were analyzed. Females made up 62% of the population. Across the SABE population, between 93.7% (Mexico City) to 99.9% (Santiago) reported missing teeth, with an average of 97.5%. Of those with missing teeth, between 55.1% (Mexico City) and 82.4% (São Paulo) reported having bridges or dentures, with an average of 70.1% across all SABE cities. The proportion of the SABE population with ‘unmet dental needs’ ranged from 85.8% (Santiago) to 98.4% (Havana), with an average of 94.5%. Bridgetown, São Paulo and Mexico City demonstrated a statistically significant association between aging and tooth loss. Generally a greater proportion of females (97.6%) reported tooth loss compared with males (96.8%), but in only São Paulo and Montevideo was there a statistically significant association between sex and tooth loss. Generally those with higher education reported less tooth loss, primary education (97.6% had tooth loss), secondary (96.8%) and tertiary (94.7%). All the SABE cities except Buenos Aires demonstrated a statistically significant association between tooth loss and education. Conclusions The prevalence of missing teeth, use of bridges and dentures and unmet dental needs were high in the SABE cities in 1999-2000. In general across the SABE cities, the elderly with the most missing teeth were less educated or less likely to be a professional. They tended to be not working and were receiving a pension. Additionally they were less likely to report their health as ‘excellent’, were diabetic and were more likely to give responses suggestive of depression.
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    Oral healthcare of preschool children in Trinidad: a qualitative study of parents and caregivers
    (2012-08-03) Naidu, Rahul; Nunn, June; Forde, Maarit
    Abstract Background Little is known about oral health in early childhood in the West Indies or the views and experiences of caregivers about preventive oral care and dental attendance The aims of this study were to explore and understand parents and caregiversand#8217; experience of oral healthcare for their preschool aged children and how, within their own social context, this may have shaped their oral health attitudes and behaviours. These data can be used to inform oral health promotion strategies for this age group. Method After ethical approval, a qualitative study was undertaken using a focus group approach with a purposive sample of parents and caregivers of preschool children in central Trinidad.Group discussions were initiated by use of a topic guide. Audio recording and field notes from the three focus groups, with a total of 18 participants, were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. Results Despite some ambivalence toward the importance of the primary teeth, the role of fluoride and confusion about when to take a child for their first dental visit, most participants understood the need to ensure good oral hygiene and dietary habits for their child. Problems expressed included, overcoming their own negative experiences of dentistry, which along with finding affordable and suitable dental clinics, affected their attitude to taking their child for a dental visit. There was difficulty in establishing good brushing routines and controlling sweet snacking in the face of many other responsibilities at home. Lack of availability of paediatric dental services locally and information on oral health care were also highlighted. Many expressed a need for more contact with dental professionals in non-clinic settings, for oral health care advice and guidance. Conclusion Parents and caregivers in this qualitative study showed generally positive attitudes towards oral health but appear to have encountered several barriers and challenges to achieving ideal preventive care for their child, with respect to healthy diet, good oral hygiene and dental attendance. Oral health promotion should include effective dissemination of oral health information, more practical health advice and greater access to dental care for families with preschool children.
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    Socio-behavioural factors and early childhood caries: a cross-sectional study of preschool children in central Trinidad
    (2013-07-09) Naidu, Rahul; Nunn, June; Kelly, Alan
    Abstract Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is a public health problem due to its impact on childrenand#8217;s health, development and well being. Little is known about early childhood oral health in the West Indies or the influence of social and behavioural factors on the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries in this preschool population. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence and severity of ECC in preschool children in a region of central Trinidad and to explore its relationship with social and behavioural factors. Method A cross-sectional survey was undertaken on children aged 3-5 years-old from a random sample of preschools in central Trinidad. Oral health examinations were conducted for children for whom parental consent was given, using WHO criteria (visual diagnosis / cavitation at d3). A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to all parents and caregivers. Variables included socio-demographics, oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, visible caries experience and treatment need. Results 251 children were examined, 50.2% were male with a mean age of 3.7and#160;years (SD 0.67) and 71% were of Indian ethnicity. The prevalence of ECC was 29.1% and the prevalence of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) was 17.5%. 29.9% of children had some treatment need, with 12% in need of urgent care or referral. Poisson generalized linear mixed model analysis found a higher rate of visible caries experience for children who ate sweet snacks more than twice a day (pand#8201;andlt;and#8201;0.001), had poorer parental dental health ratings (pand#8201;andlt;and#8201;0.0001), a previous dental visit (pand#8201;andlt;and#8201;0.0001) and difficulty finding dental care (pand#8201;andlt;and#8201;0.001). Conclusion The prevalence and severity of ECC in central Trinidad was related to oral health behaviours and access to dental care. Oral health promotion should include more supportive and practical advice for parents and caregivers of preschool children along with improved access to dental care to enable primary prevention and management of ECC.