A cross-sectional study on fluoride in drinking water and urine among secondary school children in Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya

Mohd Fauzi, Muhammad Izzad Syafiq (2018) A cross-sectional study on fluoride in drinking water and urine among secondary school children in Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FPSK4 2018 23.pdf Download (9MB)

Abstract

Introduction: In Malaysia, fluoridation of water started since 1972 in order to reduce dental caries. In the water treatment process, fluoride will be added before water enters the water storage tank. Fluoride will binds to the tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attack mainly from bacteria. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the level of fluoride in drinking water and urine among secondary school children in Putrajaya and its relationship between both variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5th to 8th February 2018 among selected secondary school children. A set of questionnaire was given to the respondents and samples of drinking water used at home and urine have been taken from the respondents. The samples have been taken for 3 consecutive days. The drinking water and urine samples have been analysed using HACH Brand spectrophotometer ORI 900 using USEP A Method 8029 within 24 hours. Result: A total of 67 respondents were involved in this study and all of the respondents were 14 years old. A total of 36 of the respondents were male (53.7%) and 31 were female ( 46. 7% ). Based on the samples obtained, the reading of fluoride in drinking water was 0.423 ± 0.114 mg/L. For level of fluoride in urine, the reading obtained was 1.626 ± 0.222 mg/L. From the findings, there was no significant difference in urinary fluoride between gender as the p-value obtained was larger than 0.05. The National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) was used in order to compare the level of fluoride in drinking water. The standard was from 0.4 mg/L - 0.6 mg/L. A total of 36 samples (53.73%) were in the optimal range of fluoride in drinking water which was between 0.4 - 0.6 mg/L. About 5 samples (7.46%) exceed the 0.6 mg/L while 26 samples (38.8%) were lower than 0.4 mg/L. While, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard was used to compare the level of fluoride in urine. The standard was from 0.2 mg/L - 3.2 mg/L. All samples were in the optimal range of fluoride in urine. Lastly, there was no significant relationship between level of fluoride in drinking water and urinary fluoride, as the p-value obtained was 0. 796 (>0.05). Conclusion: This study found that the level of fluoride in drinking water for area of Putrajaya, Presint 14 was in optimal range but the authorities should monitor it regularly because there were some readings that lower or higher than the standard. All of the urine samples were in the optimal range as recommended by NIOSH. Next, the level of fluoride in urine was not differ between gender. Besides, this study concluded that there was no association between level of fluoride in drinking water and the level of fluoride in urine. Keywords: Fluoride, Drinking Water, Urinary Fluoride, Secondary School Children

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	09 Apr 2025 01:26
Last Modified:	09 Apr 2025 01:26
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2343

Actions (login required)

View Item