Prevalence of clinical attachment loss in adolescents in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
BACKGROUND
Data on periodontal conditions in adolescents in the Dominican Republic are scarce. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of periodontal attachment loss among Dominican adolescents. This study did not attempt to classify the disease into aggressive and chronic periodontitis.


METHODS
A random sample of 2,007 Dominican adolescents was obtained. A probability, weighted sample was selected using a complex, multi-stage probability sampling design. The study was clustered in 26 schools and 106 classes. The study subjects were clinically examined under field conditions by a single calibrated examiner who measured gingival recession and probing depth at six sites per tooth, with subsequent calculation of clinical periodontal attachment level for each site.


RESULTS
The prevalence of clinical attachment loss > or = 1 mm was 49.5%, with the prevalence ranging between 48.7% and 50.2%, depending on age and gender. Clinical attachment loss > or = 2 mm was found in 15% of the students and attachment loss > or = 3 mm in 4.0% of the students. Logistic regression model revealed that only age significantly increased the probability of having clinical attachment loss.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that clinical attachment loss is common in adolescents in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, suggesting the necessity for improved standards of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions.
Collins
James
J
Department of Periodontology, Graduate School, Catholic University, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Carpio
Ana Maria
AM
Bobadilla
Mónica
M
Reyes
Raysa
R
Gúzman
Isabel
I
Martínez
Benjamín
B
Gamonal
Jorge
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004293:Dominican Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors