Accuracy of bottled drinking water label content.

The purpose of the study was to compare the accuracy of the concentration of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels mentioned on the labels of the various brands of bottled drinking water available in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-one different brands of locally produced non-carbonated (still water) bottled drinking water were collected from the supermarkets of Riyadh. The concentration of F, Ca, TDS, and pH values were noted from the labels of the bottles. The samples were analyzed for concentrations in the laboratory using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean level of F, Ca, and pH were found as 0.86 ppm, 38.47 ppm, and 7.5, respectively, which were significantly higher than the mean concentration of these elements reported in the labels. Whereas, the mean TDS concentration was found 118.87 ppm, which was significantly lower than the mean reported on the labels. In tropical countries like Saudi Arabia, the appropriate level of F concentration in drinking water as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) should be 0.6-0.7 ppm. Since the level of F was found to be significantly higher than the WHO recommended level, the children exposed to this level could develop objectionable fluorosis. The other findings, like pH value, concentrations of Ca, and TDS, were in the range recommended by the WHO and Saudi standard limits and therefore should have no obvious significant health implications.

Hyperlipidemia in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia among Saudis of both genders in rural and urban communities. METHODS: Selected Saudis in the age group of 30-70 years were studied over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from history, physical examination, and analysis of fasting plasma lipids. The data were analyzed to classify individuals with hypercholesterolemia (HC) (total cholesterol > or =5.2 mmol/l), and hypertriglyceridemia (HT) (total triglycerides > or =1.69 mmol/l). Logistic regression analysis was performed to provide a risk assessment model and correlation with other coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. RESULTS: The number of study samples included in the final analysis was 16,819. The prevalence of HC was 54% with mean cholesterol level of 5.4+/-1.52 mmol/l. Prevalence of HC among males was 54.9% and 53.2% for females, while 53.4% among urban Saudis and 55.3% for rural Saudis. Hypertriglycemia prevalence was 40.3% with mean triglycerides level of 1.8+/-1.29 mmol/l. Males had statistically significant higher HT prevalence of 47.6% compared to 33.7% in females (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperlipedimia is reaching higher prevalence rates in KSA. This finding may suggest that CAD will soon be a major health problem. Reduction in obesity by adopting healthier eating habits, and increasing physical activity are of considerable importance to our community.

Hypertension in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among Saudis of both gender, between the ages of 30-70 years in rural as well as urban communities. This work is part of a major national study on Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS). METHODS: This is a community-based study conducted by examining subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households during a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from history using a validated questionnaire, and examination including measurement of blood pressure. The data were analyzed to provide prevalence of hypertension. Logistic regression was used to develop a risk assessment model for prevalence of hypertension. RESULTS: The total number of subjects included in the study was 17,230. The prevalence of hypertension was 26.1% in crude terms. For males, the prevalence of hypertension was 28.6%, while for females; the prevalence was significantly lower at 23.9% (p<0.001). The urban population showed significantly higher prevalence of hypertension of 27.9%, compared to rural population's prevalence of 22.4% (p<0.001). The prevalence of CAD among hypertensive patients was 8.2%, and 4.5% among normotensive subjects (p<0.001). Increasing weight showed significant increase in prevalence of hypertension in a linear relationship. CONCLUSION: Hypertension is increasing in prevalence in KSA affecting more than one fourth of the adult Saudi population. We recommend aggressive management of hypertension as well as screening of adults for hypertension early to prevent its damaging consequences if left untreated. Public health awareness of simple measures, such as low salt diet, exercise, and avoiding obesity, to maintain normal arterial blood pressure need to be implemented by health care providers.

Prevalence of physical activity and inactivity among Saudis aged 30-70 years. A population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess physical activity levels among Saudi adults, and to examine the relationships of physical activity with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity prevalence. METHODS: Data taken from the Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study which is a National Epidemiological Health Survey carried out between 1995 and 2000. Participants included 17395 Saudi males and females aged 30-70 years, selected randomly using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Leisure-type and sport-related physical activities including walking were assessed using an interviewed-administered questionnaire. The activities were classified into five intensity categories and assigned metabolic equivalents (MET) according to the compendium of physical activity. Based on the intensity, duration and frequency of physical activity, subjects were classified into active or inactive category. RESULTS: Inactivity prevalence (96.1%) was very high. There were significantly (p<0.001)) more inactive females (98.1%) than males (93.9%). Inactivity prevalence increases with increasing age category, especially in males, and decreases with increasing education levels. Inactivity was the highest in the central region (97.3%; 95% CI = 96.8-97.8%) and the lowest in the southern region of Saudi Arabia (94.0%; 95% CI = 93.2-94.8%). Further, active individuals exhibited lower values of BMI and WC. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal the sedentary nature of Saudi population. The overwhelming majority of men and women did not reach the recommended physical activity levels necessary for promoting health and preventing diseases. The high prevalence of inactivity among Saudis represents a major public health concern.

Obesity in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity and overweight are well known risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and are expected to be increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) particularly among females. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Saudis of both gender, between the ages of 30-70 years in rural as well as in urban communities. This work is part of a major national project called Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS) that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. METHODS: This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in KSA. Data were obtained from body mass index (BMI) and were analyzed to classify individuals with overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (BMI >/=30 kg/m2) and severe (gross) obesity (BMI >/=40 kg/m2) to provide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in KSA. RESULTS: Data were obtained by examining 17,232 Saudi subjects from selected households who participated in the study. The prevalence of overweight was 36.9%. Overweight is significantly more prevalent in males (42.4%) compared to 31.8% of females (p<0.0001). The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 35.5% in KSA with an overall prevalence of 35.6% [95% CI: 34.9-36.3], while severe (gross) obesity was 3.2%. Females are significantly more obese with a prevalence of 44% than males 26.4% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight are increasing in KSA with an overall obesity prevalence of 35.5%. Reduction in overweight and obesity are of considerable importance to public health. Therefore, we recommend a national obesity prevention program at community level to be implemented sooner to promote leaner and consequently healthier community.

Treatment needs for dental caries in schoolchildren in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A follow up study of the oral health survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude and severity of treatment needs for dental caries of school children of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 14 years after the conduct of the Oral Health Survey (Phase I) (OHS (I)) in KSA. METHODS: Six hundred and two primary school first graders (primary school (PS)) (5-8 year-old) and 205 intermediate school first graders (intermediate school (IS)) (11-14 year-old) children were randomly selected, using stratified cluster random sampling, from schools of Riyadh, KSA during April 2001 to May 2001. All the children were examined for caries and treatment needs, using the World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-three percent of PS children required some type of restoration and 36.7% needed extractions. Ninety-five percent of IS children required restorations and approximately one-quarter were needed extractions. Amongst male PS children approximately 7 teeth needed one or more surface fillings, whereas 6 teeth of female PS children needed the same. Of the male IS children, 6.5 teeth needed one or more surface fillings, whereas 4 teeth of female IS children needed the same. These differences were all statistically significant. On average, one tooth of male children needed extraction, whereas approximately 0.7 teeth of female children needed the same. The difference was also significant. There were significant differences between urban and rural children for various types of treatment needs. However, nationality of the children did not show any significant effects on treatment needs. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the treatment needs for dental caries have increased in schoolchildren of Riyadh significantly 14 years after the conduct of OHS (I).

Caries prevalence in Saudi primary schoolchildren of Riyadh and their teachers' oral health knowledge, attitude and practices.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the caries prevalence and severity in primary school children Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of their teachers. METHODS: A random sample of primary schoolchildren was examined for dental caries utilizing World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis of caries. The information regarding oral health knowledge, attitude and practices in schoolteachers was collected through an especially designed self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries among the sample was 94.4%. The mean decayed, missing and filled score for primary teeth of the sample was 6.3 (+3.5), with decay component of 4.9 (+3.1), missing component of 1.1 (+1.7) and filled component of 0.3 (+1.0). The mean decayed, missing and filled score for permanent teeth of the sample was 1.6 (+1.5) with decay component of 1.5 (+1.4) as the major component. All the teachers (100%) thought that good dental health was important for general health and that routine check up dental visits help in maintaining good dental health. All the teachers (100%) thought that tooth cleaning using brush or miswak was important for good dental health. Regarding the caries risk factors, the majority of teachers understood the main causes of dental caries such as poor oral hygiene (97.4%) and high sugar intake (97.4%). Almost all the teachers (97.4%) thought that dental health lectures were of great importance for their students but less than half (41%) actually spent time on teaching proper oral health care. CONCLUSION: The caries prevalence in Riyadh primary schoolchildren is very high. The teachers' knowledge regarding oral health is satisfactory and their attitude towards oral health is very positive.

Does diabetes alter the radiological presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether diabetes mellitus (DM) alters the radiological manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records and skiagrams of 692 consecutive smear positive pulmonary TB patients admitted in the Sahary Chest Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 1998 to December 1999, was performed. One hundred and eighty-seven (27%) patients had an associated DM. The radiographic findings of pulmonary TB patients with DM (PTB DM group) were compared to those without DM (PTB group). RESULTS: The PTB DM group of patients had increased frequency of lung lesions confined to lower lung field compared to PTB group (23.5% versus 2.4%, p<10(-4)). The PTB DM group of patients had significantly higher frequency of cavitary lung lesions compared to PTB group (50.8% versus 39.0%, p=0.005). Also cavitary lesions were more frequently confined to lower lung field in PTB DM group compared to PTB group (28.9% versus 2.5%, p<10(-4)). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes was the only independent significant risk factor associated with lung lesions or cavities in the lower lung fields (lung lesions [odds ratio [OD]=12.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]=6.50-24.56]; cavitary lesions [OD=15.66, 95% CI = 5.82-42.16]). CONCLUSION: The PTB DM group are more likely to present with atypical radiological images. Among diabetic patients presenting with lower lung field lesions or cavities possibility of TB should always be considered for prompt diagnosis and management.

Caries prevalence, severity and pattern in pre-school children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, severity and pattern of caries in preschool children of Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty two randomly selected pre-school children were examined in kindergartens of Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for dental caries using World Health Organization criteria for the diagnosis of caries. The study was completed in 2000. RESULTS: The mean decayed missing and filled teeth score in the 322 pre-school children examined was 2.92 (standard deviation 3.51) with decay component as the major contributor in the decayed missing and filled teeth score. The difference between mean decayed missing and filled teeth scores was not significant in relation to gender, type of kindergarten (government or private) and area (urban or rural). The difference between mean decayed missing and filled teeth scores of 4-year-old and 5-year-old children was statistically significant. Of the 322 children examined, 202 (62.7%) were caries positive. There was no significant difference for caries prevalence in relation to gender, type of kindergarten and area. But, the difference in caries prevalence between various age groups was statistically significant. The mandibular first molars were the most carious teeth followed by mandibular 2nd molars and maxillary central incisors. The least affected teeth were mandibular central incisors. CONCLUSION: The mean decayed missing and filled teeth score and caries prevalence in the studied pre-school children is high as compared with children from developed countries. A major decay component indicates a high percentage of untreated caries. A high percentage of carious maxillary incisors indicate a nursing caries pattern.

Diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). New recommendations for the diagnosis of diabetes have changed the epidemiology of DM. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of DM among Saudis of both sexes, between the ages of 30-70-years in rural as well as urban communities. This work is part of a major national project: Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis study (CADISS) that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. METHODS: This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70-years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000. Data were obtained from history, fasting plasma glucose levels, and body mass index. The data were analyzed to classify individuals as diabetic, impaired fasting glucose and normal, using 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, which was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998, to provide prevalence of DM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). RESULTS: A total of 17232 Saudi subjects were selected in the study, and 16917 participated (98.2% response rate). Four thousand and four subjects (23.7%), out of 16917 were diagnosed to have DM. Thus, the overall prevalence of DM obtained from this study is 23.7% in KSA. The prevalence in males and females were 26.2% and 21.5% (p<0.00001). The calculated age-adjusted prevalence for Saudi population for the year 2000 is 21.9%. Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent among Saudis living in urban areas of 25.5% compared to rural Saudis of 19.5% (p<0.00001). Despite the readily available access to healthcare facilities in KSA, a large number of diabetics 1116 (27.9%) were unaware of having DM. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of DM in adults in KSA is 23.7%. A national prevention program at community level targeting high risk groups should be implemented sooner to prevent DM. We further recommend a longitudinal study to demonstrate the importance of modifying risk factors for the development of DM and reducing its prevalence in KSA.

Coronary artery disease in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health problem worldwide. To our knowledge, there is no national data available from community based studies on prevalence of CAD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of CAD among Saudis of both sexes, between the ages of 30-70-years in rural as well as urban communities. Further, to determine the prevalence and clinical pattern of the major modifiable risk factors for CAD among the same population. This work is part of a major national study on CAD in Saudis Study (CADISS). METHODS: This is a community based study conducted by examining subjects in the age group of 30-70-years of selected households during 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in KSA. Data were obtained from history using a validated questionnaire, and electrocardiography. The data were analyzed to provide prevalence of CAD and risk assessment model. RESULTS: Nine hundred and forty-four subjects, out of 17232 were diagnosed to have CAD. Thus, the overall prevalence of CAD obtained from this study is 5.5% in KSA. The prevalence in males and females were 6.6% and 4.4% (P<0.0001). Urban Saudis have a higher prevalence of 6.2% compared to rural Saudis of 4% (P<0.0001). The following variables are found to be statistically significant risk factors in KSA: age, male gender, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, current smoking, fasting blood glucose, fasting cholesterol and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of CAD in KSA is 5.5%. A national prevention program at community level as well as high risk groups should be implemented sooner to prevent the expected epidemic of CAD that we are seeing, beginning. Measures are needed to change lifestyle and to address the management of the metabolic syndrome, to reduce modifiable risk factors for CAD. A longitudinal study is needed to demonstrate the importance of reducing modifiable risk factors for CAD in KSA.

Dental caries. A meta analysis on a Saudi population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of caries in the primary and permanent teeth in a Saudi population. METHODS: This study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In June 2010, a literature search was started and found all studies conducted in Saudi Arabia on dental caries from 1999 to 2008. Sixty articles were found on PubMed, which had been published during the considered time period. Sixteen studies were passed through inclusion criteria and included in analysis. A 2 to 12-year-old Saudi population was included to determine the prevalence of caries in primary teeth, and for permanent teeth, the age range was 6-18 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries in primary and permanent teeth were analyzed separately. Forest plot and Chi-square test revealed considerable heterogeneity. A random effect model was used to find caries prevalence in primary and permanent teeth. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) was 5.38 (95% CI: 4.314 - 6.436), and in the permanent teeth the DMFT was 3.34 (95% CI: 1.97 - 4.75). Publication bias diagnostics suggested possible overestimation of caries prevalence in permanent teeth but not in primary teeth. CONCLUSION: The results in this study present a high decayed, missing, and filled teeth score in the adult and young population of Saudi Arabia, however, more published data is required as the results obtained from this meta analysis may not give a true picture, and reality may be worse.

Smoking in Saudi Arabia and its relation to coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: The health hazards related to smoking are well known. Smoking is a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite rejection of smoking by the Saudi community, we are still seeing smokers in our population. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of smoking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to find out its relation to CAD. This study is part of the Coronary Artery Disease In Saudis (CADIS) study. METHODS: This health survey was conducted by collecting data regarding smoking status among adult Saudis aged between 30 and 70 years of both sexes in KSA over a five year period from 1995 up to 2000. The study sample was of normal distribution and representative of all regions of KSA. The data were analyzed to provide the prevalence of smoking and its relation with CAD. RESULTS: The total number of subjects was 17,350, and current smokers were 2217; accordingly the overall prevalence of smoking among Saudis was 12.8%. Males (1555) were significantly smoking more than females (662) with a prevalence of 18.7% and 7.3%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Smoking is more prevalent among Saudis living in urban, northern, western, and eastern regions compared to other regions of KSA. Smokers are more likely to develop CAD compared to non-smokers (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is a prevalent health problem among Saudis that requires intervention for eradication. We found clear association between cigarettes smoking and CAD particularly among males. Persistent education of the health hazards related to smoking is recommended particularly at early age in-order to prevent initiation of smoking.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor, natural coagulation inhibitors and hemostatic activation markers in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at characterizing the hemostatic changes, in a large cohort of Saudi Arab patients with acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 389 patients (unstable angina [UA]: n=181; myocardial infarction [MI]: n=208) in this study at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the period from April 2000 to November 2001. We collected blood samples before coronary angiography. Controls (n=101) were healthy males and females. All hemostatic assays were undertaken using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay based techniques and commercial kits. RESULTS: The mean plasma levels of both bound and free tissue factor pathway inhibitors (TFPI) were significantly higher and to comparable levels, in patients with MI and UA, than in healthy control levels. Markers of thrombin generation: the mean levels of prothrombin fraction 1+2, thrombin antithrombin complexes, and D-Dimer were very significantly elevated in the 2 patients groups than in controls. Proteins C and antithrombin III showed statistically significant reduction especially in patients with MI. Plasminogen activator inhibitor levels were significantly elevated in the 2 patient groups, but were higher in MI patients. The mean levels of fibrinogen and D-Dimer as well thrombin antithrombin complex were higher and the levels of free tissue factor pathway inhibitor were lower in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease than those with single and double vessel disease. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the existence, and to a similar extent, of a hypercoagulable state in Saudi patients with MI than UA and in those with 3-vessel coronary artery disease than those with one or 2-vessel disease.

Metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a well-established risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). We designed this study to obtain the prevalence of MS and each of its components in Saudi Arabia. This study is part of Coronary Artery Disease in Saudi Study (CADISS). METHODS: We conducted this community-based national epidemiological health survey by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. We interviewed all subjects, examined and took measurements of their blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, as well as fasting samples of plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. We obtained the prevalence of MS based on the presence of at least 3 of the following: abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 102 cm (40 inch) in male and > 88 cm (35 inch) in female), triglycerides > or = 150 mg/dl (1.69 mmol/L), HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dl (1.03 mmol/L) in male and < 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/L) in female, blood pressure > or = 130/85 mm Hg, fasting glucose > or = 110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/L) as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III in 2001. RESULTS: We included 17,293 subjects in this survey during the study period. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia obtained from this study is 39.3%. Age adjusted prevalence in males is 37.2% and crude prevalence is 40.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.8-42), while females have a higher prevalence of 42% and crude prevalence of 41.9% (95% CI 40.9-42.9). Saudi subjects from urban areas have significantly higher prevalence of 44.1% (95% CI 43.2-45) compared to those living in rural areas of 35.6% (95% CI 34.3-36.7) (p<0.0001). Low HDL affects 81.8% of females and 74.8% of males with MS leading all other factors, and it continued to be consistent in all different age groups. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for CAD, as the prevalence of CAD was higher among patients with MS (6.7%) compared to subjects without MS (4.6%) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS is high in Saudi Arabia. Low HDL cholesterol plays a major role in the contribution to the MS in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we recommend routine assessment for the components of MS in patients with CAD, furthermore, we encourage aggressive management of the MS for primary prevention of CAD, particularly, measures to increase HDL cholesterol.

Prosthetic dental treatment needs in Eastern [corrected] Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prosthetic treatment needs of an adult population in Al-Ahsa Area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A sample of adults attending the King Fahad Hospital Dental Center, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were examined for prosthetic treatment needs utilizing the World Health Organization criteria during 1999. Statistical analysis system was utilized to generate frequencies, means and standard deviations, and various statistical tests were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 435 adults, 192 (44.1%) males and 243 (55.9%) females with a mean age of 47.7 (standard deviation 15.4) years were examined for prosthetic treatment needs. About two-thirds (64.8%) of the sample were in need of an upper denture. A significantly higher number of males (68.8%) needed an upper denture as compared to the females (61.7%). About three-quarters (73.8%) of the sample were in need of a lower denture. The need for lower denture was similar among the males (75.0%) and females (72.8%). About one-sixth (17.2%) of the sample was in need of an upper bridge. A higher number of females (18.9%) needed an upper bridge as compared to the males (15.1%). About one-quarter (22.5%) of the sample was in need of a lower bridge. A higher number of females (25.5%) needed lower bridge as compared to the males (18.8%). The need for upper denture was similar in both urban (64.7%) and rural (65.1%) dwellers. The need for lower denture was also similar in both urban (73.2%) and rural (75.2%) dwellers. A higher number of rural dwellers needed an upper (20.2%) and lower (26.4%) bridge as compared to the upper (16%) and lower (20.9%) bridge in urban dwellers. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that more than one- quarter of the sample needs a denture. A significantly higher number of males needed dentures than females. More females were in need of a bridge as compared with males. A significantly higher percentage of urban population needed full dentures as compared with rural population.