The Association Between Dietary Fluoride And Calcium Intake Of School-age Children To The Level Of Dental And Skeletal Fluorosis In Halaba Southern Ethiopia
Fluorosis, which is the toxic effect of excess fluoride ~ntake, is a major public health problem inrnEthiopian Rift Valleys. This study is aimed to investigate the relationships between dietary fluoridernand calcium intakes of school age (6-13 years) children to the levels of dental and skeletalrnfluorosis, in Halaba, Southern Ethiopia. A study designed in environment assessment and crosssectionalrnanalysis was undertaken in which 127 children were selected using cluster and simplernrandom sampling techniques. The dietary calcium andfluoride intake data were collected by usingrn24 hour andfoodfrequency questionnaire methods. Dental and skeletal fluorosis assessment wasrnconducted by a qualified dentist and physiotherapist respectively.rnThe average diet diversity score was 3.13 from seven food groups. The mean dietary calcium and •rnfluoride intakes were 520 mg/day and 70 mg/day respectively. At all age categories, the averagerncalcium intake was too low compared to the RDA for calcium and the fluoride intake was veryrnhigh compared to the tolerable upper intake level of fluoride. Among 127 children 70.9% werernprevalent to dental fluorOSiS (from very mild to severe symptoms), whereas 27.6- 44.9% werernprevalent to skeletal fluorosis.rnThe calcium andfluoride intakes were significantly ajsociated with dental and skeletal fluorOSiSrnlevels (P < 0.05). Improving the consumption of calcium-rich foods like dailY products, Ethiopianrnkale, millet, and enset are recommended.rnKey words: Calcium intake, Fluoride intake, Dental fluorosis, Skeletal fluorosis, Rift Valley,rnEthiopia