The association between dietary fluoride and calcium intake of school-age children to the level of dental and skeletal fluorosis in Halaba, Southern Ethiopia
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Date
2019-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Fluorosis, which is the toxic effect of excess fluoride ~ntake, is a major public health problem in
Ethiopian Rift Valleys. This study is aimed to investigate the relationships between dietary fluoride
and calcium intakes of school age (6-13 years) children to the levels of dental and skeletal
fluorosis, in Halaba, Southern Ethiopia. A study designed in environment assessment and crosssectional
analysis was undertaken in which 127 children were selected using cluster and simple
random sampling techniques. The dietary calcium andfluoride intake data were collected by using
24 hour andfoodfrequency questionnaire methods. Dental and skeletal fluorosis assessment was
conducted by a qualified dentist and physiotherapist respectively.
The average diet diversity score was 3.13 from seven food groups. The mean dietary calcium and •
fluoride intakes were 520 mg/day and 70 mg/day respectively. At all age categories, the average
calcium intake was too low compared to the RDA for calcium and the fluoride intake was very
high compared to the tolerable upper intake level of fluoride. Among 127 children 70.9% were
prevalent to dental fluorOSiS (from very mild to severe symptoms), whereas 27.6- 44.9% were
prevalent to skeletal fluorosis.
The calcium andfluoride intakes were significantly ajsociated with dental and skeletal fluorOSiS
levels (P < 0.05). Improving the consumption of calcium-rich foods like dailY products, Ethiopian
kale, millet, and enset are recommended.
Key words: Calcium intake, Fluoride intake, Dental fluorosis, Skeletal fluorosis, Rift Valley,
Ethiopia
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Keywords
Calcium intake, Fluoride intake, Dental fluorosis, Skeletal fluorosis, Rift Valley Ethiopia