Relationship between anthropometric measures and dental caries among adolescent National Cadets Corps of Udupi district, south India

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measures and dental caries among National Cadets Corps of Udupi district, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic information like age, sex, and parental education were collected. Various anthropometric measures like weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and hip circumference, and dental caries were recorded as per standard guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 211 cadets with age range of 12-19 years constituted the final sample. Caries experience was significantly different with respect to age and gender (P = 0.049 and 0.05, respectively). Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression with DMFT as dependent variable. Height, weight, BMI, and WC showed significant association with dental caries status (OR = 10.61, 1.03, 1.09, and 1.02, respectively). Stratified analysis showed no association with anthropometric measures (Height, weight, BMI, and WC) and dental caries in 12-14 years. Among 15-19 years age group, there was a significant association between anthropometric measures (Height, weight, and BMI) and dental caries. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between anthropometric measures and caries status in 15-19 years age group while no association was found in 12-14 years age group.