How Should We Evaluate and Use Evidence to Improve Population Oral Health?

Generating and implementing evidence-based policy is an important aim for many publicly funded health systems. In dentistry, this is based on the assumption that evidence-based health care increases the efficiency and effectiveness of interventions to improve oral health at a population level. This article argues that a linear logic model that links the generation of research evidence with its use is overly simplistic. It also challenges an uncritical interpretation of the evidence-based paradigm and explores approaches to the evaluation of complex interventions and how they can be embedded into policy and practice to improve oral health at a population level.

Metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: A structural equation modeling approach

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis among young adults, and also to compare results using observed and latent variables for MetS and periodontitis.

METHODS

Data from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil, were used. Metabolic syndrome at the age of 23 years was measured using clinical and biochemical analysis and set as the main exposure. Periodontitis at the age of 31 years was clinically measured and set as the outcome. Confounding variables included sex and maternal education, assessed at birth, family income at 23 years, and smoking status at the age of 23 and 30 years. Factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) were performed to define latent variables for MetS and periodontitis. In addition, both conditions were also defined as categorical observed variables. The association between MetS and periodontitis was tested in structural equation models.

RESULTS

Two latent periodontal variables were identified: "initial" and "advanced" periodontitis, while one latent variable was identified for MetS. Metabolic syndrome is positively associated with "advanced" (coefficient 0.11; P value < 0.01), but not with "initial" (coefficient -0.01; P value = 0.79) periodontitis. When MetS and periodontitis were set as observed variables in the structural equation models, no association was found irrespective of the criteria used for periodontitis classification.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive association between metabolic syndrome and "advanced" periodontitis, when the multiple dimensions of both diseases were accounted in latent variables. Nevertheless, when MetS and periodontitis were treated as observed variables, no association was detected irrespective of the criteria used for periodontitis classification.

Effect of life-course family income trajectories on periodontitis: Birth cohort study

AIMS

To quantify the impact of life course income trajectories on periodontitis in adulthood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil, were used. Information on family income was collected at birth and ages 15, 19, 23 and 30 years. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify income trajectories. Periodontal measures were assessed through clinical examination at age 31. Log-Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of any and moderate/severe periodontitis, as outcomes.

RESULTS

Prevalence of any periodontitis and moderate/severe periodontitis was 37.3% and 14.3% (n = 539). Income trajectories were associated with prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis. Adjusted PR in participants in low and variable income trajectory was 2.1 times higher than in participants in stable high-income trajectory. The unadjusted association between income trajectories and prevalence of any periodontitis was explained by the inclusion of behavioural and clinical variables in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Low and variable life course income increased the prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis at age 31 years. The findings may inform programmes in identifying and targeting potentially at-risk groups during the life course to prevent periodontitis.

Investigating societal determinants of oral health-Opportunities and challenges in multilevel studies

The high prevalence of oral diseases and the persistent nature of socioeconomic inequalities in oral health outcomes across societies presents a significant challenge for public health globally. A debate exists in epidemiology on the merits of investigating population variations in health and its determinants over studying individual health and its individual risk factors. The choice of analytical unit for health outcomes at the population level has policy implications and consequences for the causal understanding of population-level variations in health/disease. There is a lack of discussion in oral epidemiology on the relevance of studying population variations in oral health. Evidence on the role of societal factors in shaping variations in oral health at both the individual level and the population level is also mounting. Multilevel studies are increasingly applied in social epidemiology to address hypotheses generated at different levels of social organization, but the opportunities offered by multilevel approaches are less applied for studying determinants of oral health at the societal level. Multilevel studies are complex as they aim to examine hypotheses generated at multiple levels of social organization and require attention to a range of theoretical and methodological aspects from the stage of design to analysis and interpretation. This discussion study aimed to highlight the value in studying population variations in oral health. It discusses the opportunities provided by multilevel approaches to study societal determinants of oral health. Finally, it reviews the key methodological aspects related to operationalizing multilevel studies of societal determinants of oral health.

Area-level income inequality and oral health among Australian adults-A population-based multilevel study

Background

A lack of evidence exists on the association between area-level income inequality and oral health within Australia. This study examined associations between area-level income inequality and oral health outcomes (inadequate dentition (<21 teeth) and poor self-rated oral health) among Australian adults. Variations in the association between area-level income inequality and oral health outcomes according to area-level mean income were also assessed. Finally, household-income gradients in oral health outcomes according to area-level income inequality were compared.

Methods

For the analyses, data on Australian dentate adults (n = 5,165 nested in 435 Local Government Areas (LGAs)) was obtained from the National Dental Telephone Interview Survey-2013. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression models with random intercept and fixed slopes were fitted to test associations between area-level income inequality and oral health outcomes, examine variations in associations according to area-level mean income, and examine variations in household-income gradients in outcomes according to area-level income inequality. Covariates included age, sex, LGA-level mean weekly household income, geographic remoteness and household income.

Results

LGA-level income inequality was not associated with poor self-rated oral health and inversely associated with inadequate dentition (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.87) after adjusting for covariates. Inverse association between income inequality and inadequate dentition at the individual level was limited to LGAs within the highest tertile of mean weekly household income. Household income gradients in both outcomes showed poorer oral health at lower levels of household income. The household income gradients for inadequate dentition varied according to the LGA-level income inequality.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that income inequality at the LGA-level in Australia is not positively associated with poorer oral health outcomes. Inverse association between income inequality and inadequate dentition is likely due to the contextual differences between Australia and other high-income countries.

Oral health-related behaviours do not mediate the effect of maternal education on adolescents' gingival bleeding: A birth cohort study

Objectives

To test whether maternal education has a direct effect on gingival bleeding in adolescents aged 12 and to assess whether oral health behaviours over time mediate that association.

Methods

Two oral health studies nested in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were carried out in participants aged 6 (n = 359) and 12 years (n = 339). The proportion of teeth with bleeding on probing (BOP) and the median number of teeth with gingivitis at age 12 were recorded. Maternal education at birth was the exposure. Toothbrushing frequency and dental visit at ages 6 and 12 years were investigated as mediators of the association between maternal education at birth and gingival bleeding. Time‐varying family income through childhood and adolescence was included as later confounder. Paternal education was taken as baseline confounder. The controlled direct effect (CDE) of maternal education at child's birth on gingival bleeding at age 12 was estimated using marginal structural models (MSM). Additionally, path analysis was employed to estimate standardized direct, indirect and total effects of maternal education at birth on gingival bleeding.

Results

Adjusted analyses using MSM showed that adolescents whose mothers had <8 years of education had 3.82 higher risk of having teeth with gingival bleeding above the median (rate ratio RR 3.82; 95% CI: 1.68‐8.19). Low maternal education doubled the proportion of gingival bleeding at age 12 not mediated by dental visit and toothbrushing frequency (RR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.52‐2.60). Path analysis revealed that maternal education had a direct effect on gingival bleeding independently of the mediators.

Conclusions

The pattern of oral health behaviours does not explain the association between mother's education and adolescent's gingival bleeding. Individual‐based approaches focused on oral health‐related behaviours tend to fail to prevent gingival bleeding.

Higher experience of caries and lower income trajectory influence the quality of restorations: A multilevel analysis in a birth cohort

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of posterior restorations (amalgam or composite) placed in adults from a birth cohort and its association with clinical and socioeconomic determinants experienced during their life course.

METHODS

A representative sample (n=539) of all 5914 births occurring in Pelotas (Brazil) in 1982 was prospectively investigated. Quality of posterior restorations (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) was assessed at 31 yrs-old, using modified USPHS criteria. Trained and calibrated dentists performed clinical examination. Explanatory variables included demographic and socioeconomic, oral health and dental service utilization patterns during the life course. Tooth related variables (type of tooth, material, size of cavity) were also analyzed. Untreated caries and socioeconomic status were assessed by group-based trajectories analyses. Multilevel Regression models were used to determine factors associated with restoration outcomes.

RESULTS

In total 2123 restorations (53% composite) were evaluated of which 107 (5%) were assessed as failed. The main reasons for failure were tooth/restoration fracture (50.5%) and secondary caries (30.7%). Failures in posterior restorations showed a significant association with socioeconomic aspects (lower tertile of income at age 30 - prevalence ratio (PR) 2.21 [95% CI 1.19-4.09]), clinical variables (trajectory of higher untreated caries - PR 2.11 [95% CI 1.23-3.61]) and also with tooth-related factors (Restorations involving three or more surfaces - PR 5.51 [95% CI 3.30-9.19]) after adjustment for each other.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that, although tooth-related variables have an important role in restoration longevity, patient-related factors, such as socioeconomic variables and untreated caries are also associated with failure and should be taken into account when evaluating longevity of posterior restorations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This was the first study assessing long-term trajectory of untreated caries, showing an association between higher experience of caries during the life-course and unsatisfactory restorations. The findings suggest that individual related factors should be considered when planning treatment and in future research evaluating the longevity of dental restorations.

Childhood socioeconomic conditions and teeth in older adulthood: Evidence from SHARE wave 5

OBJECTIVES

Dental diseases are the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Healthy teeth are vital for quality of life, particularly diet and nutrition. However, little information exists to inform health policymakers about potentially long-lasting influences of early-life conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between early-life socioeconomic conditions and number of natural teeth at age 50 and above.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted on cross-sectional data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE wave 5), which includes information on 41 560 respondents aged 50 years or older from 14 European countries and Israel. Using SHARE life history information, a series of regression models (OLS, Tobit) were estimated to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic conditions in earlier life and the number of teeth at age 50+.

RESULTS

Childhood socioeconomic background was associated with the number of natural teeth at age 50 and above, even after controlling for current determinants of oral health. Respondents who had had more than 25 books in their childhood household had a mean 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2-1.5) more teeth than respondents with fewer books. Respondents who reported poor financial conditions during childhood had a mean 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3-0.9) fewer teeth than respondents who reported better financial conditions in childhood.

CONCLUSION

These findings substantiate the association between socioeconomic conditions in the early years of life and tooth retention to older adulthood and highlight the long-lasting relation between childhood living conditions and oral health through the lifecourse.

Interpersonal discrimination and markers of adiposity in longitudinal studies: a systematic review

While the impact of interpersonal discrimination on mental health is well established, its effects on physical health outcomes have not been fully elucidated. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the prospective association between interpersonal discrimination and markers of adiposity. Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar, Capes/Brazil and ProQuest databases were used to retrieve relevant information in November 2016. The results from the 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria support an association between interpersonal self-reported discrimination and the outcomes. In general, the most consistent findings were for weight and body mass index (BMI) among women, i.e. high levels of self-reported discrimination were related to increased weight and BMI. Waist circumference (WC) showed a similar pattern of association with discrimination, in a positive direction, but an inverted U-shaped association was also found. Despite a few inverse associations between discrimination and markers of adiposity, none of the associations were statistically significant. Overall, markers of adiposity were consistently associated with discrimination, mainly through direct and nonlinear associations. This review provides evidence that self-reported discrimination can play an important role in weight, BMI and WC changes.

The magnitude of Indigenous and non-Indigenous oral health inequalities in Brazil, New Zealand and Australia

OBJECTIVE

To compare the magnitude of relative oral health inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons from Brazil, New Zealand and Australia.

METHODS

Data were from surveys in Brazil (2010), New Zealand (2009) and Australia (2004-06 and 2012). Participants were aged 35-44 years and 65-74 years. Indigenous and non-Indigenous inequalities were estimated by prevalence ratios (PR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for sex, age and income. Outcomes included inadequate dentition, untreated dental caries, periodontal disease and the prevalence of "fair" or "poor" self-rated oral health in Australia and New Zealand, and satisfaction with mouth/teeth in Brazil (SROH).

RESULTS

Irrespective of country, Indigenous persons had worse oral health than their non-Indigenous counterparts in all indicators. The magnitude of these ratios was greatest among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, who, after adjustments, had 2.77 times the prevalence of untreated dental caries (95% CI 1.76, 4.37), 5.14 times the prevalence of fair/poor SROH (95% CI 2.53, 10.43).

CONCLUSION

Indigenous people had poorer oral health than their non-Indigenous counterparts, regardless of setting. The magnitude of the relative inequalities was greatest among Indigenous Australians for untreated dental decay and poor SROH.

Diet-Induced Overweight and Obesity and Periodontitis Risk: An Application of the Parametric G-Formula in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort

We aimed to estimate hypothetical effects of habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fat and carbohydrates consumption) combined with diet-induced overweight/obesity on the risk of periodontitis. The risk of any periodontitis, moderate/severe periodontitis, and the combination of bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) was estimated using the parametric g-formula in adults aged 31 years from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil. Individuals in this cohort have been followed since birth. Hypothetical conditions were set independently for each risk factor and in combination for the entire population. A total of 539 participants had oral examinations in 2013. The cumulative 31-year risk under no intervention was 33.3% for any periodontitis, 14.3%, for moderate/severe periodontitis, and 14.7%, for BOP and CAL. According to our statistical approach, diet-induced overweight/obesity increased the risk of all outcomes: 11% (overweight) and 22% (obesity) higher risk of periodontitis; 12% (overweight) and 27% (obesity) higher risk of moderate/severe periodontitis; 21% (overweight) and 57% (obesity) higher risk of CAL and BOP. When overweight/obesity was combined with other unhealthy habits, the risk was even greater. Our findings suggest that the combination of diet-induced obesity with other risk factors may increase the risk of periodontitis. Further research in the field is required to corroborate our study.

How functional disability relates to dentition in community-dwelling older adults in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between dentition status and functional disabilities among community-dwelling older individuals.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 5012 individuals aged 65-74 were interviewed in 2013 during a nationwide community-based survey. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire including information on dentition, locomotion impairment, difficulties in basic and instrumental activities of daily life, socio-demographic characteristics, behaviour and general health status. Poisson regression models assessed prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

About 31.3% of older people in Brazil reported having ≥21 preserved teeth, the condition for a functional dentition without prosthetic appliances. This proportion was significantly lower among individuals with locomotion impairment and difficulties in basic and instrumental activities of daily life. After adjusting for relevant covariates, functional dentition remained statistically associated with severe (PR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.15-0.63) and total (PR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.26-0.44) locomotion impairments, and difficulties in basic activities of daily life (PR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.93).

CONCLUSION

Having a functional dentition was significantly less prevalent among those affected by functional disabilities, and this association is unlikely to be due to insufficient control for relevant covariates. The association between dentition and functional disability is bidirectional and involves a complex interplay of one upon the other, and of factors that influence both outcomes.

Theoretical basis and explanation for the relationship between area-level social inequalities and population oral health outcomes - A scoping review

This study was conducted to review the evidence on the association between area-level social inequalities and population oral health according to type and extent of social theories. A scoping review was conducted of studies, which assessed the association between area-level social inequality measures, and population oral health outcomes including self-rated oral health, number of teeth, dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and dental pain. A search strategy was applied to identify evidence on PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Web of Science, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, references of selected studies, and further grey literature. A qualitative content analysis of the selected studies was conducted to identify theories and categorize studies according to their theoretical basis. A total of 2892 studies were identified with 16 included in the review. Seven types of social theories were used on 48 occasions within the selected studies including: psychosocial (n=13), behavioural (n=10), neo-material (n=10), social capital (n=6), social cohesion (n=4), material (n=3) and social support (n=2). Of the selected studies, four explicitly tested social theories as pathways from inequalities to population oral health outcomes, three used a theoretical construct, seven used theories for post-hoc explanation and two did not have any use of theory. In conclusion, psychosocial theories were used most frequently. Although theories were often mentioned, majority of these studies did not test a social theory.

Sugar Consumption and Changes in Dental Caries from Childhood to Adolescence

There are no prospective studies investigating the effects of sugar-related feeding practices on changes in dental caries from early childhood to young adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess whether sugar-related feeding practices affect dental caries between the ages of 6 and 18 y. This birth cohort study was initiated in 1993 in Pelotas, Brazil. There were 3 dental clinical assessments; at ages 6 y (n = 359), 12 y (n = 339), and 18 y (n = 307). Sugar-related feeding practices were assessed at ages 4, 15, and 18 y. Covariates included sex and life course variables, such as family income, breast-feeding, mother's education, regularity of dental visit, and child's toothbrushing habits. Group-based trajectory analysis was performed to characterize trajectories of time-varying independent variables that had at least 3 time points. We fitted a generalized linear mixed model assuming negative binomial distribution with log link function on 3-time repeated dental caries assessments. One in 5 participants was classified as "high" sugar consumers, and nearly 40% were "upward consumers." "Low consumers" accounted for >40% of the sample. High and upward sugar consumers had higher dental caries prevalence and mean DMFT in all cohort waves when compared with low sugar consumers. Caries occurred at a relatively constant rate over the period of study, but in all sugar consumption groups, the increment of dental caries was slightly higher between ages 6 and 12 y than between 12 and 18 y. Adjusted analysis showed that dental caries increment ratio between ages 6 and 18 y was 20% and 66% higher in upward and high sugar consumer groups as compared with low consumers. The higher the sugar consumption along the life course, the higher the dental caries increment. Even the low level of sugar consumption was related to dental caries, despite the use of fluoride.

Tooth loss is associated with severe cognitive impairment among older people: findings from a population-based study in Brazil

BACKGROUND

A consistent and low-to-moderate association between markers of oral infection and loss of cognitive function has been demonstrated in the literature. However, such evidence comes from population studies carried out mainly in the USA.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between tooth loss and loss of cognitive function in older people from Southern Brazil, with particular interest on how age may modify such association. In addition, we also test the association between loss of cognition (exposure) and tooth loss (outcome).

METHODS

Data from a baseline population-based cohort study were cross-sectionally analyzed, including tooth loss, cognitive impairment, sex, income, educational attainment, color/race, smoking status and a range of self-reported chronic diseases. Participants (n = 1705) were 60 years of age and over, from a midsized Southern Brazilian city. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using multivariable logistic and partial ordinal logistic analyses.

RESULTS

Edentate status was associated (OR 3.3; 95%CI 1.2-9.3) with severe cognitive impairment in the fully adjusted model. Moreover, there was an interaction between number of teeth and age on severe cognitive impairment. A weak association between severe cognitive impairment (exposure) and tooth loss (outcome) was identified after the adjustment for potential covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study lends support to hypothesized association between tooth loss and severe cognitive impairment. Older adults seem to be particularly vulnerable to such effects. However, the bidirectional association between tooth loss and severe cognitive impairment cannot be ruled out.

Association between tooth loss and hypertension among a primarily rural middle aged and older Indian adult population

BACKGROUND

Studies in high-income countries have reported associations between tooth loss and hypertension. There is however a lack of evidence on this association from South Asian countries especially India. The current study aimed to assess the association between self-reported tooth loss and hypertension in a primarily rural middle-aged and older Indian population.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India - pilot survey was conducted on 1,486 adults aged 45 years and above from four states of India. The primary outcome was self-reported hypertension and the main explanatory variable was self-reported tooth loss. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association between hypertension and tooth loss after controlling for confounders including age, sex, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, tobacco use, alcohol use, physical activity, and self-reported diabetes.

RESULTS

Compared to those without any tooth loss, individuals with partial tooth loss had 1.62 times (95% CI: 1.12-2.35) higher odds of being hypertensive after adjustment of confounders including age, sex, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, tobacco use, alcohol use, physical activity, and self-reported diabetes. The crude significant association (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.50-4.29) between edentulousness and hypertension became nonsignificant and attenuated after adjustment of potential confounders (fully adjusted model OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.72-2.44).

CONCLUSION

Partial tooth loss was associated with a higher probability of hypertension among dentate middle-aged and older adults in four states of India.

Is weight gain associated with the incidence of periodontitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review assessing the effects of weight gain on the incidence of periodontitis in adults.

METHODS

Electronic searches in four databases were performed up to and including February 2015. Only prospective longitudinal studies assessing the association between weight gain and the incidence of periodontitis in adults were eligible to be included in this study. All studies should state a clear description of nutritional status (Body Mass Index; Waist Circumference) as well as the case definition of periodontitis. Pooled relative risks (RR) for becoming overweight and obese on the incidence of periodontitis were estimated by meta-analysis. Quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies.

RESULTS

Five articles were included in this review and meta-analysis with 42,198 subjects enrolled. Subjects who became overweight and obese presented higher risk to develop new cases of periodontitis (RR 1.13; 95%CI 1.06-1.20 and RR 1.33 95%CI 1.21-1.47 respectively) compared with counterparts who stayed in normal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear positive association between weight gain and new cases of periodontitis was found. However, these results are originated from limited evidence. Thus, more studies with longitudinal prospective design are needed.

Dietary practices among individuals with diabetes and hypertension are similar to those of healthy people: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Currently, diabetes mellitus (DM) and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) are among the top five global risks for mortality. Among the modifiable factors, careful dietary practice is one of the essential elements for the control of NCDs, since these diseases are often the result of unhealthy lifestyles. Thus, this study aimed to assess the frequency of dietary practices among adult males and females with DM and/or SAH, and compare whether or not they are more frequent than in healthy adults, through a population-based study conducted in the city of Florianópolis, southern Brazil.

METHODS

Cross-sectional population-based study, using as exposure self-reported DM and/or SAH status. Dietary practices were assessed using a semiquantitative food consumption questionnaire. The following were considered as adequate: regular intake (≥ 6 times/week) of fruit and vegetables, daily intake of fruit (≥ 3 times/day) and vegetables (≥ 2 times/day), intake lower than 2 times/week of meat fat, fried foods, and soda. Bivariate and adjusted analysis for sociodemographic variables were conducted using Poisson regression, stratified by gender.

LOCATION

Florianópolis, southern Brazil, 2009.

SUBJECTS

Representative sample of 20 to 59 year-old adults (n=1720).

RESULTS

A total of 16.6% participants were diagnosed with DM and/or SAH. The most frequently consumed unhealthy foods were fried food (51.0%, 95% CI: 48.8-53.5) and soda (57.9% 95%CI: 55.5-60.2). Of healthy foods, fruit was the less consumed on a daily basis (11.1% 95%CI 9.6-12.5). In general, women showed better dietary practices than men. In adjusted analysis none of dietary practices was more frequent among diabetic and/or hypertensive adults compared with healthy individuals, regardless of gender. No differences were found between healthy and unhealthy adults, when the number of dietary practices was assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of dietary practices was low and did not differ between individuals with or without DM and/or SAH. It is fundamental to reinforce the need of healthy dietary practices as one of the essential elements for the control of chronic diseases and their complications.

Income-related inequalities in inadequate dentition over time in Australia, Brazil and USA adults

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes over time of the absolute and relative household income-related inequalities in inadequate dentition (ID) among Australians, Brazilians and USA adults.

METHODS

This study used nationwide oral health survey data from Australia (n = 1200 in 1999; n = 2729 in 2005), Brazil (n = 13 431 in 2003; n = 9779 in 2010) and USA (n = 2542 in 1999; n = 1596 in 2005). Absolute income inequalities were calculated using Absolute Concentration Index (ACI) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII), while relative inequalities were calculated using Relative Concentration Index (RCI) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII).

RESULTS

Prevalence of ID in the studied period dropped from 8.7% to 3.1% in Australia; from 42.1% to 22.4% in Brazil; and remained stable in USA, nearly 8.0%. Absolute income inequalities were highest in Brazil, followed by the USA and Australia; relative inequalities were lower in Brazil than in Australia and the USA. ID was higher among Brazilian females (2010) and for the poorest group in all countries and periods. A remarkable reduction in absolute inequalities were found in Australia [Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and AIC 60%] and in Brazil (SII 25%; ACI 33%) while relative inequalities increased both in Australia (RCI and RII 40%) and in Brazil (RCI 24%; RII 38%). No changes in absolute and relative income inequalities were found in the USA.

CONCLUSION

There were still persistent absolute and relative income inequalities in ID in all examined countries. There has been a reduction in absolute income inequalities in ID but an increase in relative income inequalities.

[Prevalence of preterm birth according to birth weight group: a systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of preterm birth by categories of birth weight, and to obtain an equation to correct the estimates.

METHODS

Systematic review of the Brazilian literature published from 1990 to 2012, to identify studies with primary collection of data on birth weight and gestational age. Twelve studies were selected and contributed for tabulations of preterm prevalence according to 100 g birth weight categories. These results were combined using sex-specific fractional polynomial equations and the resulting curves were compared with results from the Live Birth Information System for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2011.

RESULTS

For all birth weight categories, preterm prevalence estimates based on primary studies had a higher prevalence than those of the the Live Birth Information System. The prevalence reported by the Live Birth Information System was of 7.2% in 2010, about 38.0% lower than the estimated prevalence of 11.7% obtained with the correctional equation.

CONCLUSIONS

Information reported by the Live Birth Information System on preterm prevalence does not reflect the true magnitude of the problem in Brazil, and should not be used without the correction factors proposed in the present analyses.

Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Obesity: The Role of Life-Course Events

Periodontal disease is ranked among the 10 most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and is considered a major public health problem. Its etiology has been associated with local and general conditions that could interfere in the host immune response. Obesity, like periodontal disease, has emerged as a prevalent chronic disease in high-, low- and medium-income countries, recognized as risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. A relationship between periodontal health and obesity may exist, but the mechanism that would explain this association remains unclear. Life-course epidemiology could be a useful instrument to investigate a casual association between early exposures and later outcomes, being appropriate for understanding the establishment of chronic conditions. This approach comprehends different theories, considering the time, the duration and the intensity of early exposition, and its impact on the development of chronic diseases in later life. Thus, the aim of this study is to hypothesize the different life-course epidemiology theories to explain the possible association between periodontal health and nutritional status in adulthood.

Desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal no estudo SBBrasil 2010: abordagem multinível

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e a distribuição geográfica da doença periodontal na população adulta brasileira e sua associação com desigualdades sociais contextuais e individuais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados dos adultos de 35 a 44 anos de idade da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010 (n = 9.564). O Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI) e o Índice de Perda Periodontal (PIP) foram usados para definir a doença periodontal em “moderada a grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 0) e “grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 1). As desigualdades sociais contextuais incluíram o índice de desenvolvimento humano e a desigualdade de renda (Índice de Gini). Outras variáveis contextuais foram a cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e o percentual de adultos fumantes. Modelos de regressão logística multinível para os participantes com dados completos (n = 4.594) foram usados para estimar odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença periodontal “moderada a grave” em brasileiros adultos foi de 15,3% e 5,8% para a condição “grave”, com variações consideráveis entre os municípios. Dentre as variáveis contextuais, a desigualdade de renda foi independentemente associada com a doença periodontal “grave” (OR = 3,0; IC95% 1,5;5,9). A menor cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal foi associada com as duas formas de doença periodontal, enquanto o percentual de fumantes manteve-se associado com a doença periodontal “moderada a grave”. Adultos com idade mais avançada, de cor de pele parda, sexo masculino, menor renda familiar e menor escolaridade apresentaram maiores chances para ambas as condições periodontais investigadas. CONCLUSÕES: No Brasil, a prevalência da doença periodontal variou conforme o município e a definição de doença empregada. A desigualdade de renda teve um papel importante na ocorrência da doença periodontal “grave”. Características individuais de posição social foram associadas com as duas formas de doença periodontal.

Clustering of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases: a population-based study in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and identify factors associated with simultaneous risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adults in a southern capital in Brazil.

METHOD

A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out with 1720 adults in Florianópolis, Brazil. The simultaneous occurrence of tobacco smoking, abusive drinking, inadequate or unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity during leisure was assessed. The independent variables were demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

RESULTS

Only 8.3% of the respondents did not have any of these factors, whereas the simultaneous occurrence of two or more risk behaviors was 59.4%. The simultaneous presence of four risk behaviors (3.4%) was 220% higher of what would be expected by combining the individual prevalence of these factors (1.5%). The likelihood of individuals having two or more risk behaviors simultaneously was greater in young men, with black skin color, living without a partner, with lower household per capita income, and lower education.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to implement programs that reduce the risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among adults in Brazil, especially between young men with low education and income.

Caries is the main cause for dental pain in childhood: findings from a birth cohort

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental pain in preschool children and its association with socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and behavior variables.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study was nested in a population-based birth cohort from Pelotas, Brazil, started in 2004. A sample of 1,129 children aged 5 years was dentally examined, and their mothers were interviewed. Exploratory variables included demographics, socioeconomic status, mothers' oral health status and associated behaviors, and caries in primary teeth. Data were analyzed using multivariable Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental pain was 16.5% (95% CI: 14.4-18.8). Multivariate analysis showed that dark-skinned children (prevalence ratio, PR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4) from low socioeconomic level (PR 1.9, 1.2-3.0) whose mothers had less than 4 years of education (PR 1.9, 1.0-3.6), from mothers with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch (PR 1.7, 1.2-2.5) and less than 10 in two arches (PR 1.6, 1.0-2.6), and those with high caries prevalence at the age of 5 years (PR 4.8, 3.3-7.1) were more likely to experience dental pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrestored caries is the main factor associated with dental pain in childhood. Socioeconomic aspects and family context in which dental pain occurs should also be taken into account when dental pain preventive measures are implemented.

Socio-demographic and behavioural inequalities in the impact of dental pain among adults: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To assess socio-demographic and behavioural inequalities in the impact of dental pain on daily activities, as well as to estimate the prevalence and intensity of dental pain.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Florianopolis, Southern Brazil, with 1720 adults aged 20-59 years in 2009-2010. Interviews were performed at adults' households, which included socio-demographics and behavioural characteristics, such as smoking status and alcohol abuse, along with mental health, self-reported health, number of retained teeth, dental pain occurrence (including its intensity and its impact on daily life). The association between the impact of dental pain and the covariates was tested using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The global prevalence of dental pain was 14.8% (95% CI, 12.9-16.7). Adjusted analysis showed that women, those who self-classified as dark-skinned Blacks, those with low family income, current smokers and those with common mental disorders reported a higher impact of dental pain than their counterparts. Among subjects reporting dental pain, 12.7% indicated the maximum intensity, whereas 6.0% had some daily activity disrupted by it, such as difficulties in chewing certain foods (38.0%), sleep disturbance (21.0%), difficulty to work (21.0%) and difficulty in performing household tasks (8.0%). Prevalence ratios of impact of dental pain between the poorest income group and richest income group (2.4), between the highest and lowest schooling group (2.6), and between dark-skinned Blacks and Whites (2.1) were of higher magnitude than the dental pain prevalence ratios among the same groups (1.7, 1.3 and 1.4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of dental pain showed a social gradient. Inequalities between socio-economic groups found in this study should be taken into account, as the impact of dental pain leads to reduced daily activities and poor quality of life.

Validity of partial protocols to assess the prevalence of periodontal outcomes and associated sociodemographic and behavior factors in adolescents and young adults

BACKGROUND

Most studies comparing prevalence of periodontal disease and risk factors by using partial protocols were performed in adult populations, with several studies being conducted in clinical settings. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of partial protocols in estimating the prevalence of periodontal outcomes in adolescents and young adults from two population-based birth cohorts from Pelotas, Brazil, and to assess differences in the estimation and strength of the effect measures when partial protocols are adopted compared to full-mouth examination.

METHODS

Gingival bleeding at probing among adolescents (n = 339) and young adults (n = 720) and dental calculus and periodontal probing depth among young adults were assessed using full-mouth examinations and four partial protocols: Ramfjord teeth (RT), community periodontal index (CPI), and two random diagonal quadrants (1 and 3, 2 and 4). Socioeconomic, demographic, and periodontal health-related variables were also collected. Sensitivity, absolute and relative bias, and inflation factors were calculated. Prevalence ratio for each periodontal outcome for the risk factors was estimated.

RESULTS

Two diagonal quadrants showed better accuracy; RT had the worst, whereas CPI presented an intermediate pattern when compared to full-mouth examination. For bleeding assessment in adolescence, RT and CPI underestimated by 18.4% and 16.2%, respectively, the true outcome prevalence, whereas among young adults, all partial protocols underestimated the prevalence. All partial protocols presented similar magnitude of association measures for all investigated periodontal potential risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Two diagonal quadrants protocol may be effective in identifying the risk factors for the most relevant periodontal outcomes in adolescence and in young adulthood.

Desigualdades contextuais e individuais da prevalência de dor dentária em adultos e idosos no Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a prevalência de dor dentária e fatores associados em adultos e idosos residentes nas capitais brasileiras usando os dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL), de 2009 (n = 54.367). Dor dentária foi a variável dependente. Macrorregião, idade, sexo, raça, escolaridade, posse de plano de saúde, tabagismo e consumo de refrigerantes foram as variáveis exploratórias. Foram realizadas regressões de Poisson multinível. A prevalência de dor dentária foi de 15,2%; Macapá e São Luís apresentaram prevalências maiores que 20% enquanto em todas as capitais do Sul e Sudeste, em Cuiabá, Campo Grande, Maceió, Recife e Natal foram encontradas prevalências menores que 15%. Residentes no Norte e Nordeste, mulheres, pretos e pardos, aqueles que não possuem plano de saúde, tabagistas e consumidores de refrigerantes apresentaram as maiores prevalências de dor dentária. A dor dentária é um problema de saúde pública que deve ser monitorado pelos sistemas de vigilância em saúde.

Dor dentária e fatores associados em adolescentes brasileiros: a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE), Brasil, 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência da dor de dente em adolescentes brasileiros e analisar fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados, utilizando os dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) de 2009. A pesquisa foi realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística e pelo Ministério da Saúde em escolares com idades entre 11 e 17 anos ou mais, das 27 capitais brasileiras, por meio de questionário autoaplicável. Utilizou-se a análise de regressão de Poisson, segundo um modelo hierárquico de determinação. A prevalência de dor na amostra (n = 54.985) nos últimos seis meses foi de 17,8% (IC95%: 17,5-18,1). Prevalências mais elevadas foram encontradas em mulheres, naqueles com 14 anos ou mais, das raças preta, parda e indígena, de escolas públicas, cujas mães tinham baixa escolaridade, que não moravam com a mãe, que haviam experimentado cigarro e álcool alguma vez na vida, que relataram menor frequência de escovação e maior consumo de guloseimas e refrigerantes. A prevalência de dor foi considerável e associada a aspectos sociodemográficos e de comportamentos relacionados à saúde.

Aspectos metodológicos do Projeto SBBrasil 2010 de interesse para inquéritos nacionais de saúde

O Projeto SBBrasil 2010 (SBB10) foi concebido como um levantamento epidemiológico em saúde bucal, de base nacional, dentro da estratégia de vigilância em saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar aspectos da metodologia do SBB10 que possam contribuir para ampliar e desenvolver conhecimentos na área de saúde. Com relação ao plano amostral, trata-se de uma pesquisa por conglomerados e com múltiplos estágios. Capitais e municípios do interior das cinco regiões brasileiras compõem os domínios da amostra, cujas unidades amostrais foram, respectivamente, setor censitário e domicílio para as capitais, e município, setor censitário e domicílio para o interior. Nas capitais foram sorteados 30 setores e, no interior de cada região, 30 municípios. A precisão considerou os domínios agrupados segundo o grau de densidade no total da população e a variabilidade interna dos índices. Foram avaliadas as condições de cárie dentária, doença periodontal, oclusopatias, fluorose, traumatismo dentário e edentulismo em cinco grupos etários (5, 12, 15 a 19, 35 a 44 e 65 a 74 anos).

Desigualdades no acesso e na utilização de serviços odontológicos no Brasil: análise do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL 2009)

Pretendeu-se descrever o padrão de utilização, acesso e tipo de serviço odontológico utilizado por adultos e idosos das capitais brasileiras segundo características sociodemográficas. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL) de 2009 (n = 54.367). Mais da metade da população revelou necessitar de tratamento odontológico no último ano e desta, 15,2% não conseguiram atendimento. O uso de serviço odontológico privado foi de 61,1%. A participação do Sistema Único de Saúde variou de 6,2% no Distrito Federal a 35,2% em Boa Vista. Análises multivariáveis de Poisson revelaram que as maiores prevalências de percepção de necessidades de tratamento ocorreram nas mulheres, nos adultos de meia idade e nos mais escolarizados. Falta de acesso aos serviços odontológicos foram mais prevalentes em mulheres, nos mais jovens, nos menos escolarizados e nos pardos. Os resultados deste estudo revelam a existência de marcantes iniquidades na utilização e acesso de serviços odontológicos nas capitais brasileiras.