Method of a national survey on malocclusion

Abstract EN

The aim of this national oral health survey was to determine the distribution, prevalence and the severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in Iraq in relation to gender and residency.

This study involved six governorates (cities and environs) in Iraq selected to cover the whole country geographically (Baghdad the capital, Ninevah, Basrah, Diyala, Anbar and Najaf).

A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used to make the sample representative of the target population.

The sample consisted of 7120 Iraqi intermediate school students aged 13 years representing 5% of the total target population.

A clinical examination was used to determine the prevalence of occlusal features; which was mainly based on the definitions of Björk et al.

and the FDI.

Eight continuous variables were measured to the nearest millimeter, and twenty four discrete variables were recorded as present or absent sometimes denoting the location of the malocclusion or the teeth involved in it.