Frequency of caries and nutritional status of children aged 4 to 6 years, Santa Lucía, Ilopango 2023

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69789/creaciencia.v16i2.729

Keywords:

caries index, nutritional status, children, El Salvador

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of caries and nutritional status in children aged 4 to 6 years at the Santa Lucía Intermediate Health Unit, Ilopango, in 2023. Methodology: A quantitative, observational, and descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design was employed. The sample included 100 children. The technique used was observation and the data collection instrument was an observation form; the data were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and the SPSS 29 software. Results: 29% of 4-yearold children exhibited normal nutritional status, while 71% of 5- to 6-year-old children suffered from malnutrition. The CEOD caries index revealed a higher frequency of high caries risk in both sexes. In the CPOD index, a very low caries risk was predominant in both genders. Conclusions: The importance of caries’ frequency and nutritional status is emphasized, with notable variations by age, particularly in children aged 5 to 6 years. 4-year-old children exhibited normal nutritional status and low risk of caries according to the CEOD. However, the 5 to 6-year-old group presented malnutrition and high risk of caries according to the CEOD, despite the low risk according to the CPOD.

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Author Biographies

Tania Carolina Alvarenga Argueta, Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador

Estudiante egresado del Doctorado en Cirugía Dental, Facultad de Odontología,  integrante del programa Semillero de Investigación UEES.

Daniela Beatriz Cortez Ávila, Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador

Estudiante egresado del Doctorado en Cirugía Dental, Facultad de Odontología, integrante del
programa Semillero de Investigación

Josselyn Maritza Orellana Molina, Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador

Estudiante egresado del Doctorado en Cirugía Dental, Facultad de Odontología, integrante del programa Semillero de Investigación. 

Elmer Jehovani Portillo-Sorto, Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador

Docente asesor; máster en Salud Pública, doctor en Cirugía Dental, Facultad de Odontología

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Published

2025-04-11

How to Cite

Alvarenga Argueta, T. C., Cortez Ávila, D. B., Orellana Molina, J. M., & Portillo-Sorto, E. J. (2025). Frequency of caries and nutritional status of children aged 4 to 6 years, Santa Lucía, Ilopango 2023. Crea Ciencia, 16(2), 67–83. https://doi.org/10.69789/creaciencia.v16i2.729

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Research Articles

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