1
|
Balasooriyan A, van der Veen MH, Bonifácio CC, Dedding C. Understanding parental perspectives on young children's oral health (≤ 4 years) growing up in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Amsterdam, the Netherlands: an exploratory study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:627. [PMID: 38413935 PMCID: PMC10900557 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Families' understanding towards oral health problems among young children is poorly studied. More insight into parents' experiences, especially of those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, is needed to address persistent oral health inequalities. This qualitative study aims to explore parental perspectives on children's oral health (≤ 4 years) and the opportunities they see to improve children's oral health. METHODS Forty-seven mothers and five fathers with different migration backgrounds from a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participated in our study. Semi-structured interviews (n = 27), participant observations (n = 7) and one focus group discussion were conducted. A thematic data analysis was used. RESULTS Parents describe their daily life with young children as busy, hectic and unpredictable. Parents seem to be most concerned about parenting. Mothers, in particular, feel fully responsible for raising their children and managing daily complexities. While most parents value their children's oral health, they all experience challenges. Parents find it hard to limit daily candy intake and to handle unwilling children during tooth brushing. They feel limited support for these issues from their household, social network and professionals. CONCLUSION Parental struggles in children's oral health are complex and interrelated as they occur across family, societal, community and professional levels. Given the complex daily reality of families with young children, establishing and maintaining healthy oral health habits seems not at the top of parents' minds. They ask for advice in the upbringing of their children backed up by social support, increased attention to children's oral health within the community and professional assistance. Collaborating with parents as knowledgeable partners might be the first step in acting upon the endeavour to address oral health inequality among young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Awani Balasooriyan
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique H van der Veen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clarissa Calil Bonifácio
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Dedding
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ramji R, Rämgård M, Kottorp A. Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF in citizens from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Southern Sweden. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1118575. [PMID: 37113124 PMCID: PMC10128172 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1118575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Citizens living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience poorer health than the majority, and this inequality is a public health problem even in a welfare state such as Sweden. Numerous initiatives aimed at improving health and quality of life in these populations are being implemented and evaluated. Given that these populations are predominantly multicultural and multilingual, an instrument such as the WHOQOL-BREF, which is cross-culturally validated and available in multiple languages, may be appropriate. However, this cannot be ascertained since the psychometric properties of WHOQOL-BREF have never been assessed in the Swedish context. Thus, the current study aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in citizens from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Southern Sweden. Methods The respondents in this study were 103 citizens who participated in the health promotional activities of a Health promotional program and also responded to the 26-item, WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire as a part of an evaluation to assess the impact of the activities on the health-related quality of life of citizens. A Rasch model using WINSTEP 4.5.1 was used to assess the psychometric properties in this study. Results Five of the 26 items, including pain and discomfort, dependence on medical substances, physical environment, social support, and negative feelings did not display acceptable goodness-of-fit to the Rasch model. On removing these items, the 21-item WHOQOL-BREF scale had an improved internal scale validity and person-separation reliability than the original 26-item version for this group of citizens from the neighborhood. When assessing the individual domains, three of the five items that were misfits on analyzing the full model also showed misfits in relation to two respective domains. When these items were removed, the internal scale validity of the domains also improved. Conclusion WHOQOL-BREF seemed to be psychometrically inadequate when used in the original form due to internal scale validity problems, while the modified 21-item scale seemed better at measuring the health-related quality of life of citizens living in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods in Sweden. Omission of items shall be done but with caution. Alternatively, future studies may also consider rephrasing the items with misfits and further testing the instrument with larger samples exploring the associations between subsamples and specific item misfit responses.
Collapse
|
3
|
Macdonald ME, Muirhead V, Doughty J, Freeman R. Critically engaging vulnerability: Rethinking oral health with vulnerabilized populations. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2022; 50:469-475. [PMID: 34751455 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the third in a series of narrative reviews challenging core concepts in oral health research and practice. Our series started with a framework for Inclusion Oral Health. Our second review explored one component of this framework, looking at how intersectionality adds important complexity to oral public health. This current manuscript drills into a second component of Inclusion Oral Health, exploring how labels can lead to 'othering' thereby misrepresenting populations and (re)producing harms. Specifically, we address a common oral public health label: vulnerable populations. This term is commonly used descriptively: an adjective (vulnerable) is used to modify a noun (population). What this descriptor conceals is the 'how,' 'why,' and 'therefore' that leads to and from vulnerability: How and why is a population made vulnerable; to what are they vulnerable; what makes them 'at risk,' and to what are they 'at risk'? In concealing these questions, we argue our conventional approach unwittingly does harm. Vulnerability is a term that implies a population has inherent characteristics that make them vulnerable; further, it casts populations as discrete, homogenous entities, thereby misrepresenting the complexities that people live. In so doing, this label can eclipse the strengths, agency and power of individuals and populations to care for themselves and each other. Regarding oral public health, the convention of vulnerability averts our research gaze away from social processes that produce vulnerability to instead focus on the downstream product, the vulnerable population. This paper theorizes vulnerability for oral public health, critically engaging its production and reproduction. Drawing from critical public health literature and disability studies, we advance a critique of vulnerability to make explicit hidden assumptions and their harmful outcomes. We propose solutions for research and practice, including co-engagement and co-production with peoples who have been vulnerabilized. In so doing, this paper moves forward the potential for oral public health to advance research and practice that engages complexity in our work with vulnerabilized populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Macdonald
- Faculty of Dentistry, and Institute of Health Sciences Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vanessa Muirhead
- Centre for Dental Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Janine Doughty
- Pathway Homelessness and Inclusion Oral Health Fellow, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ruth Freeman
- Dental Health Services Research Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balasooriyan A, Dedding C, Bonifácio CC, van der Veen MH. Professionals’ perspectives on how to address persistent oral health inequality among young children: an exploratory multi-stakeholder analysis in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:488. [DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02510-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Oral health promotion interventions have had limited success in reaching families in disadvantaged neighbourhoods resulting in persistent oral health inequality. This qualitative study provides insight into professionals’ perspectives on children’s poor oral health (≤ 4 years), their perceptions of the roles and responsibilities, and opportunities for child oral health promotion strategies.
Methods
Thirty-Eight professionals from different domains (community, social welfare, general health, dental care, public health, private sector) working in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participated through 24 semi-structured (group) interviews. Transcripts and notes were analysed through thematic analysis.
Results
Professionals indicate that unhealthy diet, children’s non-compliance, poor parental coping, parental low oral health literacy, parent’s negative attitude, family’s daily struggles, and insufficient emphasis on childhood caries prevention in dental practices, general healthcare and social welfare organisations, underlie poor oral health. They hold parents most responsible for improving young children’s oral health, but recognise that families’ vulnerable living circumstances and lack of social support are important barriers. Interestingly, non-dental professionals acknowledge their beneficial role in child oral health promotion, and dental professionals stress the need for more collaboration.
Conclusion
A broad child-, parental-, and societal-centred educational communication strategy is perceived as promising. Professionals working within and outside the dental sector acknowledge that local and collective action is needed. This involves a better understanding of family’s complex daily reality. Furthermore, intensifying child oral health knowledge in dental practices is essential in collaboration with families, general health and social welfare organisations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Rämgård M, Avery H. Lay Health Promoters Empower Neighbourhoods-Results From a Community-Based Research Programme in Southern Sweden. Front Public Health 2022; 10:703423. [PMID: 35602126 PMCID: PMC9118014 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.703423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This article focuses on the role of lay health promoters in the Lindängen initiative, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) programme for health promotion that started 2016 in a low-income neighbourhood in the outskirts of Malmö, southern Sweden. The programme aimed to support equitable health and develop an innovative model for community health promotion. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of the lay health promoters in the initiative and discuss the challenges of their position mediating between residents of the neighbourhood and the established institutions, using interviews, meeting notes and focus groups sessions with the health promoters and local stakeholders. Lay health promoters' role and function developed in a collaborative process of networking with local stakeholders and citizens in local meeting places. Their work was based on their credibility in their role, in combination with the use of a CBPR model that was open to innovation, with a strong focus on actively engaging members of the community. This allowed the lay health promoters to take political and social stances towards various issues, and to start to concretely address the social determinants of health in the community, as well as express recommendations to policymakers. Based on these experiences, the lay health promoters gained clearer insights into the institutional and structural conditions that impact their community. The position they had in the process of the programme resulted in empowerment and a new local association for health promotion; LindängenKraft (LindängenPower) driven by the health promotors and community members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Avery
- Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Languages, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Samkange-Zeeb F, Singh H, Lakeberg M, Kolschen J, Schüz B, Christianson L, De Santis KK, Brand T, Zeeb H. Health Literacy Needs Among Unemployed Persons: Collating Evidence Through Triangulation of Interview and Scoping Review Data. Front Public Health 2022; 10:798797. [PMID: 35273938 PMCID: PMC8902044 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.798797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unemployed persons are at high risk for low health literacy. Most studies addressing health literacy of unemployed persons focus on risk factors for low health literacy or correlates of health literacy, but studies on needs of unemployed persons regarding health literacy are scarce. We aimed to obtain better understanding of health literacy needs of unemployed adults by triangulating the results from a scoping review on health literacy needs in unemployed adults and additional in-depth qualitative interviews. Methods Scoping review: We searched six databases up to January 2021 as well as gray literature for relevant studies following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened independently by two researchers. Qualitative study: Ten participants of a job-reintegration program in Germany were interviewed following a guideline covering topics including health issues of interest to the participants, their sources of health-related information and the barriers/facilitators they experience when accessing health services. Results Scoping review: After screening 2,966 titles and abstracts, 36 full texts were considered, and five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four focused on mental health literacy and outcomes, while the fifth assessed information-seeking practices. One additional report on health literacy was identified via the gray literature search. Awareness of one's condition was identified as a facilitator for mental health help-seeking, while fear of harmful effects of medication prevented help-seeking. Qualitative study: Participants were interested in and were generally well-informed about health topics such as nutrition and physical activity. The main challenge perceived was translating the knowledge into practice in daily life. GPs and the social services providers played an important role as a source of health information and advice. Regarding mental health, similar barriers, facilitators and needs were identified through triangulation of findings of the scoping review with those of the interviews. Conclusions There is need to address health literacy needs of long-term unemployed persons that go beyond mental health literacy. Public health interventions should not only aim at improving health literacy scores, but also focus on how to help participants translate health literacy into practice. Population groups of interest should also be involved in all processes of designing interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Samkange-Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Hunny Singh
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences (Public Health), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Meret Lakeberg
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty of Human and Health Sciences (Public Health), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Kolschen
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences (Public Health), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schüz
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences (Public Health), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lara Christianson
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tilman Brand
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty of Human and Health Sciences (Public Health), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu M, Kao D, Gu X, Holland W, Cherry-Peppers G. Oral Health Service Access in Racial/Ethnic Minority Neighborhoods: A Geospatial Analysis in Washington, DC, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4988. [PMID: 35564382 PMCID: PMC9105494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on individual-level variables have improved our knowledge base of oral health service use. However, environmental or contextual variables are also important in understanding oral health disparities in racial and ethnic neighborhoods. Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this study examines the geographic availability of oral health providers in Washing-ton DC, U.S.A. Census tract-level data were drawn from the American Community Survey, joined with tract-level shapefiles, and overlaid with the geographic location of dental services throughout the city. Visual maps, descriptive statistics, and spatial lag regression models showed that census tracts with higher concentrations of African Americans were significantly farther from their nearest oral health providers (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), after controlling for neighborhood poverty rate, median age, and gender. Such findings confirm that in urban areas with highly di-verse populations such as Washington DC, racial disparities in oral health care access are signifi-cant. The study highlights that identifying neighborhoods with limited oral health care providers should be a priority in diminishing racial disparities in oral health service access. Improving access to racial/ethnic minority communities, especially African American neighborhoods, will require changes in health policies and programs, workforce development, resource allocation, community outreach, and educational programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meirong Liu
- School of Social Work, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Dennis Kao
- School of Social Work, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada;
| | - Xinbin Gu
- College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (X.G.); (G.C.-P.)
| | - Whittni Holland
- School of Social Work, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Gail Cherry-Peppers
- College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (X.G.); (G.C.-P.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Magnusson M, Vaughn LM, Wretlind K, Forslund HB, Berg C. Facilitating health promoting ideas and actions: participatory research in an underserved Swedish residential area. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:155. [PMID: 35073898 PMCID: PMC8785534 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For an intervention to contribute to decreased health gaps, people living in underserved areas must participate in the research-to-action process during the development of the intervention. The purpose of this study was to collaborate with residents living in a Swedish underserved area to generate health and wellness priorities and actions. Methods We applied Group Level Assessment (GLA) together with people living in a Swedish neighborhood where obesity, dental caries and other illnesses are prevalent. GLA is a qualitative, participatory methodology that is designed for a large group to generate and evaluate relevant needs and priorities within a lens of action for positive social change. Residents were recruited by posters, postcards and snowball sampling. In total, 47 residents participated. Eight GLA sessions were held over a five-month time period. Results The GLA sessions resulted in reflections, proposals and actions for change by the residents. Adolescent and parent need for support, improved communication and more meeting places were highlighted as priorities for promoting health and well-being. The results were presented for stakeholders in a report and an exhibition and some of the participants started a language café. Conclusions GLA emphasised the participants’ perspective. The participatory process helped them identify what they thought valuable and relevant concerning health issues and supported them in taking actions to achieve change.
Collapse
|
9
|
Avery H, Sjögren Forss K, Rämgård M. Empowering communities with health promotion labs: result from a CBPR programme in Malmö, Sweden. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6321597. [PMID: 34263320 PMCID: PMC8851348 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health promotion is thus not only a participatory practice, but a practice for empowerment and social justice. The study describes findings from a community-based participatory and challenge-driven research program. that aimed to improve health through health promotion platform in an ethnically diverse low-income neighbourhood of Malmö, Sweden. Local residents together with lay health promoters living in the area were actively involved in the planning phase and decided on the structure and content of the program. Academic, public sector and commercial actors were involved, as well as NGOs and residents. Empowerment was used as a lens to analyse focus group interviews with participants (n=322) in six co-creative health-promoting labs on three occasions in the period 2017-2019. The CBPR interview guide focused on the dimensions of participation, collaboration and experience of the activities. The CBPR approach driven by community member contributed to empowerment processes within the health promotion labs: Health promotors building trust in social places for integration, Participants motivate each other by social support and Participants acting for community health in wider circle. CBPR Health promotion program should be followed up longitudielly with community participants to be able to see the processes of change and empowerment on the community level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Avery
- Center for Middle Eastern studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katarina Sjögren Forss
- Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö university, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Margareta Rämgård
- Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö university, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sjögren Forss K, Kottorp A, Rämgård M. Collaborating in a penta-helix structure within a community based participatory research programme: 'Wrestling with hierarchies and getting caught in isolated downpipes'. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 79:27. [PMID: 33676556 PMCID: PMC7936426 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the light of the existence of social inequalities in health, a CBPR (Community Based Participatory Research) programme for health promotion started in Malmö, Sweden, in 2017. The programme was based on a penta-helix structure and involved a strategic steering group with representatives from academia, voluntary organisations, the business sector, the public sector, and citizens from the community where the programme took place. The aim of this study was to explore how the penta-helix collaboration worked from the perspectives of all partners, including the citizens. METHODS Individual interviews, that were based on a guide for self-reflection and evaluation of CBPR partnerships, were conducted with the representatives (N = 13) on three occasions, during the period 2017-2019. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. RESULTS Six themes emerged from the analysis, including Challenges for the partners in the penta-helix collaboration; Challenges for the professionals at the local level; Citizen-driven processes are important for the penta-helix collaboration; Health promoters are essential to build trust between different sectors of society; Shift of power; and System changes take time. The analysis shows that the penta-helix collaboration worked well at the local level in a governance-related model for penta-helix cooperation. In the overall cooperation it was the citizen-driven processes that made the programme work. However, the findings also indicated an inflexibility in organisations with hierarchical structures that created barriers for citizen involvement in the penta-helix collaboration. CONCLUSION The main issue uncovered in this study is the problem of vertically organised institutions where discovery and innovation processes flow down from the top, thereby eliminating the essential input of the people and community that they are supposed to serve. The success of the programme was based on an interprofessional cooperation at a local level, where local professions worked together with voluntary organisations, social workers, CBPR researchers from the university, citizens and local health promoters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Sjögren Forss
- Department of Care Science, Malmö University Faculty of Health and Society, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Anders Kottorp
- Department of Care Science, Malmö University Faculty of Health and Society, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Margareta Rämgård
- Department of Care Science, Malmö University Faculty of Health and Society, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abdelrahman M, Hsu KL, Melo MA, Dhar V, Tinanoff N. Mapping Evidence on Early Childhood Caries Prevalence: Complexity of Worldwide Data Reporting. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021; 14:1-7. [PMID: 34326577 PMCID: PMC8311757 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This review aims to identify variances and research gaps in the early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence within countries and the global community by mapping current evidence. Materials and methods We performed a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science to identify English-language, peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies published from January 1999 to January 2019. Abstracts and full-text articles were dual-screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. We classified outcomes by children's age and countries based on economic status. Ranges of reported caries prevalence and median values by country and age were calculated and evidence-mapped. Results Out of 915 studies, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most significant number of reports were from the USA, Brazil, and India. The ranges of prevalence (1-96%) among the studies were large. The calculated median caries prevalence values may better estimate countries' prevalence than the reported ranges. Early childhood caries prevalence's highest median values were found for South Korea studies (54%) for children <3-year-old and from Bosnia (81%) for children 3-6 years old. No apparent difference was found in the prevalence of ECC from developed and developing countries. Conclusion This mapping review reflects the ranges and median values of ECC worldwide. Overall, the reported prevalence of ECC in most countries is very high. No apparent difference was found in the prevalence of ECC from developed and developing countries. Reported ranges of ECC, as well as heterogeneity and methodological issues, hamper comparisons across studies globally. Clinical significance The global ECC prevalence ranges are extreme. Median data may provide a structure for future epidemiological studies to optimizing healthcare resources for caries interventions globally. How to cite this article Abdelrahaman M, Hsu K-L, Melo MA, et al. Mapping Evidence on Early Childhood Caries Prevalence: Complexity of Worldwide Data Reporting. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):1-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Abdelrahman
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kuei-Ling Hsu
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Anne Melo
- Department of General Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vineet Dhar
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Norman Tinanoff
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|