EFFECT OF COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTION PROGRAMS ON PREVENTION OF EARLYCHILDHOOD CARIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES : A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background:  Caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world. About 60-95% of children in developed countries and developing countries experience caries. Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is prevalent in low-income countries, especially in Southeast Asia and Africa. Objective: To analyze the concept of community-based interventions in early childhood caries  prevention  efforts  in  three  developing  countries, Uganda, El Salvador  and Malaysia. Method: This study is a literature review of published articles. Article search using ProQuest and Wiley Online from 2010 to 2018, with keywords  early childhood caries, community-based intervention and developing countries. Results: In the PROMISE-EBF program in Uganda, the duration of breastfeeding does not affect the occurrence of early caries in children, but this EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) intervention can be done to identify children who are at ECC risk and a priority to get an oral health care programs. The ASAPROSA program in El Salvaor consists of three activities namely dental and oral health education, distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste every three times a year and the application of fluoride. This program is effective in  reducing the prevalence of child  caries. While the  EDWP program  in Malaysia places more emphasis on three aspects, namely: cognitive, psychomotor and attitude. The EDWP program has proven effective in reducing the prevalence of child caries and increasing maternal knowledge about dental and oral health. Conclusion: Community- based intervention programs in each country have advantages and disadvantages. Implementation in each country is not the same because it adapts to the conditions of society and the environment in the country.