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. 2021 Nov;31(6):708-715.
doi: 10.1111/ipd.12771. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Caregivers' report of HIV-associated oral manifestations among HIV-unexposed, exposed, and infected Kenyan children

Ana Lucia Seminario  1   2 , Arthur Kemoli  3 , Sarah Benki-Nugent  2 , Daisy Chebet  4 , Lauren Gomez  2 , Dalton Wamalwa  4 , Grace John-Stewart  2   5   6 , Jennifer A Slyker  2   6
Affiliations

Caregivers' report of HIV-associated oral manifestations among HIV-unexposed, exposed, and infected Kenyan children

Ana Lucia Seminario et al. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Few oral health studies have been conducted in HIV-exposed uninfected children, who, like their HIV-infected peers, have altered immunity and perinatal drug exposures.

Aim: To compare caregiver' self-report of oral diseases, hygiene practices and utilization of routine dental care, between HIV-infected (HIV), HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU), and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children in Kenya.

Design: This nested cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Caregivers of 196 children (104 HIV-infected, 55 HEU, and 37 HUU) participated in this study. Using a validated questionnaire from the WHO and photographs of HIV-related oral lesions, we collected data on oral diseases and oral health practices.

Results: Caregivers of HIV-infected children reported at least one oral disease in their children (42%; HEU [27%]; HUU [17%; P = .008]). Oral candidiasis was the most common disease reported (HIV-infected [24%], HEU [5.5%], and HUU [2.8%; P < .05]). Baseline CD4% was associated with oral candidiasis (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98). Only 16% of children had ever visited a dentist, and most initiated brushing after 3 years of age (83%). Nearly all (98%) caregivers desired a follow-up oral examination.

Conclusions: HIV infection/exposure and low CD4% were associated with increased odds of oral diseases. Most caregivers desired a follow-up oral examination for their children.

Keywords: HIV; children; global health; oral health.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

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