March 2021

Objectives: Lack of data regarding the oral health of Syrian refugees represents a crucial gap in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the oral health status of Syrian refugees and related socio and behavioral factors. Basic Research Design: Cross-sectional study from June to September 2019 at Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan. Methods: An experienced, calibrated field investigator performed an oral clinical examination of 505 Syrian refugees (18-60 years) using the WHO criteria. DMFT, SiC, oral health indices and socio-demographic variables were recorded. Results: A total of 264 males and 241 females were included. The prevalence of caries was 96.0%, of which 76.0% had 4-17 carious lesions. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 5.76, 2.55 and 1.88 respectively. The mean DMFT score was 10.19 (100% had DMFT>0), SiC was 17.09, and the mean simplified Oral hygiene index score was 2.18. The most common chief complaint was pain (92.7%). Nearly half of the participants were smokers (45.7%). There was a negative association between level of education and oral health (P=0.011). Most participants did not brush their teeth regularly (87.5%). Females had better oral hygiene practices than males (P=0.015). Conclusions: Syrian refugees had a high prevalence of caries, high unmet dental treatment needs and poor oral hygiene practices. Preventive programs and focused interventions may reduce the burden of disease in this underprivileged population, on funding agencies and host countries as well. Keywords: education, oral health, SIC, Syrian Refugees, Zaatari camp, OHI-S