Perceptions of dental fluorosis among community members in the Sudano-Sahelian Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is a hypomineralisation of the enamel resulting from chronic ingestion of high levels of fluoride (above 1 mg/l) during amelogenesis. The disease affects the social relations, psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of affected persons. Endemic areas of dental fluorosis have been reported in Cameroon and several people would be affected. Objective: To determine the perceptions of dental fluorosis in the Sudano-Sahelian part of Cameroon. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 communities in the Sudano-Sahelian Region of Cameroon, from 30 December 2019 to 31 march 2020. Community members aged 12 years and above, who consented to participate were examined for the assessment of dental fluorosis. Participants were submitted to a questionnaire adapted from the Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, adjusted for dental fluorosis. Results: Out of the 1665 participants examined, 1215 presented signs of dental fluorosis, for a prevalence of 73%. Persons with dental fluorosis demonstrated an overall mild level of internalized stigma (ISS) (2,04±0,47). The highest score was noted for the stigma resistance (2,24±0,58), social withdrawal (2,12±0,48) and alienation (2,11±0,49). The highest score (2.94±0.69) was recorded amid persons with severe dental fluorosis. Persons aged 26-30 years experienced the highest score (2,22±0,92). Females (2.16±0.79) exhibited higher internalized stigma levels than males (1,98±0,65) (p< 0,001). Conclusion: The level of internalized stigma increase with the degree of dental fluorosis.