WHO STEPS-wise Approach in Assessment of Dental Caries and Children s Quality of Life in Indonesia

Background: The high prevalence of dental caries is a major oral health problem in Indonesia. We aimed to determine the relationship between dental caries and quality of life in children living in rural and urban areas in Indonesia. Methods: A pilot survey was carried out with 2550 students aged 6-7 years old and 11-12 years old in rural, peri-urban and urban sites in 14 provinces in Indonesia. The pathfinder survey technique was applied. Data collected based on the WHO STEPS-wise framework using a dental examination by the WHO form (Annex 7) and quality of life questionnaire (Annex 8, Q10). Results: The prevalence dental caries among aged 6-7 and 11-12 were 88.01% and 70.27%, respectively. Children aged 6–7 years old was reported that tooth decay affected their appearance (p = 0.013), caused them to avoid smiling and laughing (p = 0.003), caused other children to make fun of their teeth (p = 0.002) and caused them to miss school hours (p = 0.005). Among 11–12 years old children, tooth decay reportedly affected their appearance (p = 0.001), caused them to avoid smiling and laughing (p = 0.041) and caused them to have chewing difficulty chewing (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Tooth decay affects children s quality of life, especially with regard to psychological health.