Prevalence and risk factors for early childhood caries in North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern, with its prevalence steadily increasing across Africa. However, the extent of North Africa's contribution to the global burden of ECC remains poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify its risk factors in North Africa.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO on March 7th, 2025and examined studies published between 2000 and March 2025 on the prevalence and risk factors of ECC in North African countries. Five databases were searched. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control designs involving children aged 0-5 years. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study and population characteristics, ECC p

SUBMITTER: Famurewa BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12667124 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature