Zara Shettima Ali

Abstract

Aim(s): Dental fluorosis (DF) is a prevalent developmental enamel defect resulting from excessive fluoride intake during the formative stages of enamel development. Characterized by hypomineralization, DF manifests in various forms ranging from mild discoloration to severe enamel breakdown. Beyond its clinical presentation, DF poses aesthetic and psychosocial concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial impact of DF among clinical medical students at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019 involving 400- to 600-level clinical medical students at the University of Maiduguri. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed in lecture halls. Dean’s Index was employed to assess DF presence and severity. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, including descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the University’s Ethics Committee.

Results: Of the 200 distributed questionnaires, 170 were completed (response rate: 85%). The mean age of respondents was 24.4 ± 2.9 years; 82 (48%) were male and 88 (52%)female. The prevalence of DF was 94 (55%), although only 58 (34.1%) students believed they had the condition. Psychosocial concerns were common: 138 (81%) were self-conscious about tooth colour, 29 (17.1%) experienced embarrassment while smiling, 25 (15%) felt tense due to discoloration, and 15 (8.8%) reported avoiding social events. Overall, 140 (82.4%) participants reported some form of psychosocial impact. Age was significantly associated with psychosocial outcomes (χ² = 33, p = 0.002).

Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of DF and its considerable psychosocial burden among clinical medical students. Age emerged as a significant factor influencing the psychological effects of DF.