Oral Health of Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Context

Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) are “those who have, or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.” Among the challenges this population faces in accessing healthcare, oral health is regarded as their most significant treatment need. Previous studies on CYSHCN in Nigeria have relied on data from the south.

Aim

The objective of this study is to describe the oral health status of CYSHCN in a northern Nigeria population.

Settings and Design

Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) is a tertiary-level hospital located in Kano state, northwest Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

Clinic records of CYSHCN who received treatment from the Paediatric Dentistry clinic of AKTH between 2017 and 2022 were retrieved and analyzed. Oral conditions were diagnosed based on the World Health Organization protocols.

Statistical Analysis Used

Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages. Ages were described in terms of mean and standard deviation. Chi-square statistics were used to test for associations between categorical variables. The level of significance was set at a P value of ≤0.05.

Conclusion

Hematological disorders were the most prevalent medical conditions of CYSHCNs seen in AKTH. Dental caries was the prevalent dental condition in the population.