Dental Caries Prevalence and Prevention Behaviour Related Factors among Adolescents in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period of life that has implications for oral health and wellbeing, however, the oral health profile of adolescents in Nigeria is undocumented. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the prevalence of caries and identified the caries prevention behaviours among adolescents in Nigeria. MethodsIn August 2023, a literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Academic Info, Cochrane and Refseek databases to identify studies on dental caries prevalence and caries prevention behaviour among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Nigeria. Two reviewers used an independent and double-blind approach to extract data, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 percentages, and a funnel plot was constructed to assess the potential for publication bias. The meta-analysis employed a random effects model to ascertain the prevalence of dental caries. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the variation in caries prevalence by sex. The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework guidelines while the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and integrity of the included studies. Registration of this systematic review was completed on PROSPERO CRD42024458849. ResultsSixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled caries prevalence among adolescents in Nigeria was 23.0% (95% CI: 16, 30) with a pooled prevalence of 16.0% (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 9 - 23) for males, and a pooled prevalence of 22.0% (p < 0.00001, 95% CI= 11 - 32) for females. The commonest caries prevention practices reported were daily tooth brushing, use of fluoride containing toothpastes and dental service utilization. Factors associated with caries among adolescents were a history of dental service utilization, poor oral hygiene practices and consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals. ConclusionThe high prevalence of dental caries among adolescents in Nigeria warrants programmatic attention with an emphasis on improving oral hygiene practices and controlling the consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals. Dental service utilization for caries prevention needs to be encouraged.