Background and Rationale: A synopsis by the researcher suggested that caries was becoming a public
health problem among the youth, hence there was a need for deeper investigations which would lead to
possible oral health interventions.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess dental care practices and experiences among teenagers
in the Northern region of Swaziland. Based on the outcomes and views from health professionals; develop a
framework for oral healthcare delivery and policy analysis.
Design: The study engaged a randomized-survey design. The subjects filled a total of 562 questionnaires,
of which 508 were selected for data-analysis. Their ages ranged between 12-20years.
Essential Results: Regression-analysis results indicated that, taking soft-drinks increased the odds of
having caries by 3.33 times compared with sugar-free drinks. What was strange among this group was that
knowing causes of caries doubled the odds (eB
=1.918) compared to lack of knowledge. Living within 10kms
radius from the dental-clinic significantly reduced the odds of being found with caries by a factor of 0.719
compared to living >10km away.
Conclusion: All the signs of the corresponding regression-coefficients seemed to be in the right direction
except for “knowledge on how tooth-decay occurs” amongst this group. Based on these findings regarding
caries experiences and practices amongst the youth, a framework for oral health care and policy analysis for
Swaziland was developed.