Deciduous Teeth Extraction Practice and Associated Factors Among Under Five‐Years‐Old Children in the Gambella Region, South West, Ethiopia: A Mixed Study

• Published in: Health science reports 2024-12, Vol.7 (12), p.e70266-n/a
• Main Authors: Demewoz, Takele Shilu, Dagnew, Gizachew Worku, Yadita, Zemenu Shiferaw
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitudes; Children & youth; Data collection; deciduous teeth extraction; Ethiopia; gambella; Health services; Likert scale; Milk; Mothers; Original Research; Questionnaires; Sample size; Sampling techniques; Sociodemographics; Software; Supervisors; Teeth; under five children; Urban areas
• ISSN: 2398-8835; 2398-8835
• DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70266

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Deciduous teeth extraction (DTE) is a harmful traditional practice often performed by traditional healers. This practice can lead to both acute and chronic complications that significantly impact children's health. Despite national strategies and initiatives, DTE remains prevalent in Ethiopia, especially in the Gambella region. However, there is limited information on its prevalence and determinants in this area. Method Both qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted. A community‐based cross‐sectional study involved 803 mothers with children under five in the Gambella region. Multistage simple random sampling was employed, and data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and in‐depth interviews. Data entry was performed using Epi Data version 4.6, and the analysis was conducted in SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with deciduous tooth extraction (DTE). Odds ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval, and a p‐value of less than 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Result The prevalence of Deciduous teeth extraction practice among