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Mezzofranco L, Zalunardo F, Magliarditi A, Gracco A. Assessment of Oral Health in a Child Cohort of a Rural Zone of Ethiopia. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1824. [PMID: 38002914 PMCID: PMC10670308 DOI: 10.3390/children10111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Health conditions in a developing state such as Ethiopia are precarious; in addition to the extreme spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, oral health is also affected by the scarce knowledge and possibility of treatment. This analysis considered 77 children aged 7 to 11 from a primary school in Guraghe in Ethiopia. The presence of plaque, calculus, and caries was evaluated. For each caries, the affected tooth and the site of onset were considered. Plaque was detected in 39% of the children, calculus in 22%, and dental caries in 48% of the patients. The cavities were found to be equally distributed between the two arches, with a prevalence of location in the deciduous teeth and in the occlusal area. The implementation of home oral hygiene education and the training of health professionals who successfully promote oral health is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mezzofranco
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesca Zalunardo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.Z.); (A.G.)
| | | | - Antonio Gracco
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.Z.); (A.G.)
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Levy DH, Sgan-Cohen H, Solomonov M, Shemesh A, Ziv E, Glassberg E, Yavnai N. Association of Nationwide Water Fluoridation, Changes in Dental Care Legislation, and Caries-Related Treatment Needs: A 9-Year Record-Based Cross-Sectional Study. J Dent 2023; 134:104550. [PMID: 37196687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The implementation of nationwide water fluoridation in Israel in 2002 led to a significant reduction in caries among children. However, this practice was discontinued in 2014 due to a change in legislation. In 2010, as part of the Israeli National Health Insurance Law, free dental care for children under 10 years of age was legislated. This policy was gradually extended to include adolescents under 18 years of age in 2018. We examined the association between these efforts and changes in the caries-related treatment needs of young adults over the course of two decades. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed data on the need for dental restorations, root canal therapy, and extractions that were retrieved from dental records of 34,450 soldiers recruited into military service between 2012-2021. These data were cross-matched with the subjects' year of birth to determine whether the implementation of water fluoridation, dental care legislation, or both were associated with changes in the need for and provision of dental care. Sociodemographic data, including sex, age, socioeconomic cluster (SEC), intellectual capability score (ICS), body mass index, and place of birth, were also extracted. RESULTS A multivariate generalized linear model (GLM) revealed that male sex, older age, low ICS, and low SEC were significant predictors for greater caries-related treatment needs (P < 0.001). Our findings indicated that subjects exposed to fluoridated water during their childhood had significantly lower rates of caries-related treatment, regardless of access to free dental care. CONCLUSION Mandatory water fluoridation was associated with significantly lower caries-related treatment needs while national dental health legislation providing free dental care to children and adolescents was not. Therefore, we suggest that water fluoridation should be continued to maintain the observed reduction in treatment needs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Our findings provide support for the effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing caries, whereas the impact of free dental care programs focused on clinical intervention remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Henry Levy
- Department of Endodontics, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical corps, Sheba Hospital at Tel Hashomer, Israel; "Bina" Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Harold Sgan-Cohen
- Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Solomonov
- Department of Endodontics, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical corps, Sheba Hospital at Tel Hashomer, Israel; "Bina" Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avi Shemesh
- Department of Endodontics, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical corps, Sheba Hospital at Tel Hashomer, Israel; "Bina" Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eran Ziv
- Department of Endodontics, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical corps, Sheba Hospital at Tel Hashomer, Israel; "Bina" Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Nirit Yavnai
- Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Valdez R, Spinler K, Kofahl C, Seedorf U, Heydecke G, Reissmann DR, Lieske B, Dingoyan D, Aarabi G. Oral Health Literacy in Migrant and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Systematic Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 24:1061-1080. [PMID: 34448993 PMCID: PMC9256555 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01266-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cultural background influences how migrants and ethnic minority populations view and assess health. Poor oral health literacy (OHL) may be a hindrance in achieving good oral health. This systematic review summarizes the current quantitative evidence regarding OHL of migrants and ethnic minority populations. The PubMed database was searched for original quantitative studies that explore OHL as a holistic multidimensional construct or at least one of its subdimensions in migrants and ethnic minority populations. 34 publications were selected. Only 2 studies specifically addressed OHL in migrant populations. Generally, participants without migration background had higher OHL than migrant and ethnic minority populations. The latter showed lower dental service utilization, negative oral health beliefs, negative oral health behavior, and low levels of oral health knowledge. Due to its potential influence on OHL, oral health promoting behavior, attitudes, capabilities, and beliefs as well as the cultural and ethnic background of persons should be considered in medical education and oral health prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Valdez
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Spinler
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Kofahl
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - U Seedorf
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - G Heydecke
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D R Reissmann
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Lieske
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Dingoyan
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - G Aarabi
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Levy DH, Livny A, Sgan-Cohen H, Yavnai N. The association between caries related treatment needs and socio-demographic variables among young Israeli adults: a record based cross sectional study. Isr J Health Policy Res 2018; 7:24. [PMID: 29743092 PMCID: PMC5944155 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-018-0222-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgroud The need for dental treatments, especially those related to dental caries, may be associated with and influenced by a wide range of demographic variables. The aim of this study was to describe caries related treatment needs among young Israeli adults and the association with several socio-demographic factors, including socio-economic cluster (SEC), intellectual capabilities, ethnicity and other variables. Methods Data were collected from dental records of army recruits between 2012 and 2013. We cross-examined data regarding dental treatment needs with socio-demographic variables: age, gender, SEC, intellectual capability score (ICS), birth place of participant and parents, education and immigration. Results Data received regarding 13,398 combat recruits during their first four months of military training. Most subjects were males (92.4%), with a mean age of 18.9 years. 10.8% were immigrants, with 12.2 years living in Israel before their recruitment. Only 17.7% had no dental treatment needs. Mean number of teeth needing treatment was: for restorations 1.96 ± 2.59, for root canal therapies 0.07 ± 0.44 and for extractions 0.05 ± 0.28. Low ICS scores and low SEC group were significantly associated with higher treatment needs (P < 0.001). Statistically significant higher treatment needs were observed among participants who originated from immigrant families. In a multivariate analysis (Generalized Linear Model), gender, age, ICS score, SEC group and country of birth were found as independent predictors for number of restorations needed. Conclusion Socio-demographic variables significantly influence dental treatment needs and should be taken into account when preparing intervention programs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Henry Levy
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel. .,The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Alon Livny
- Department of Community Dentistry, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Harold Sgan-Cohen
- Department of Community Dentistry, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nirit Yavnai
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Riggs E, Rajan S, Casey S, Kilpatrick N. Refugee child oral health. Oral Dis 2016; 23:292-299. [PMID: 27385659 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The number of people forced to flee their homes and move around the world is increasing rapidly. Such refugee populations are not only more likely to have poor physical, mental and social health outcomes but also to experience difficulties accessing health services in their new country. In particular, children from refugee backgrounds are at increased risk of poor oral health which in time is associated with poor adult oral health and impacts on child health (e.g. growth and development) and well-being. To date, there is little evidence about the nature and extent of their oral health problems nor interventions to improve their oral health status. This article summarises the evidence surrounding the oral health status of children from refugee backgrounds. In addition, a systematic review of the international literature over the past 10 years is presented which identifies interventions to improve the oral health of these vulnerable paediatric populations. Based on this evidence, potential strategies available to dental service providers to optimise provision of responsive dental care are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Riggs
- Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.,General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Rajan
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Casey
- Sector Development & Partnerships, Foundation House, The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Kilpatrick
- Cleft Services, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Calvasina P, Muntaner C, Quiñonez C. The deterioration of Canadian immigrants' oral health: analysis of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2015; 43:424-32. [PMID: 25923057 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of immigration on the self-reported oral health of immigrants to Canada over a 4-year period. METHODS The study used Statistics Canada's Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC 2001-2005). The target population comprised 3976 non-refugee immigrants to Canada. The dependent variable was self-reported dental problems. The independent variables were as follows: age, sex, ethnicity, income, education, perceived discrimination, history of social assistance, social support, and official language proficiency. A generalized estimation equation approach was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS After 2 years, the proportion of immigrants reporting dental problems more than tripled (32.6%) and remained approximately the same at 4 years after immigrating (33.3%). Over time, immigrants were more likely to report dental problems (OR = 2.77; 95% CI 2.55-3.02). An increase in self-reported dental problems over time was associated with sex, history of social assistance, total household income, and self-perceived discrimination. CONCLUSION An increased likelihood of reporting dental problems occurred over time. Immigrants should arguably constitute an important focus of public policy and programmes aimed at improving their oral health and access to dental care in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Calvasina
- Faculty of Dentistry & Global Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carles Muntaner
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Institute for Global Health Equity and Innovation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos Quiñonez
- Discipline of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric patients have increased comorbid physical illness. There is less information, however, on dental disease, especially tooth decay, despite life-style risk factors or psychotropic-induced dry mouth in this population. Importantly, poor oral health can predispose people to chronic physical disease leading to avoidable admissions to hospital for medical causes. METHODS Using MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and article bibliographies, we undertook a systematic search for studies from the last 25 years regarding the oral health of people with severe mental illness (SMI). Results were compared with the general population. The two outcomes were total tooth loss (edentulism) and dental decay measured through the following standardized measures: the mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth or surfaces. RESULTS We identified 25 studies that had sufficient data for a random-effects meta-analysis. These covered 5076 psychiatric patients and 39,545 controls, the latter from either the same study or community surveys. People with SMI had 2.8 the odds of having lost all their teeth compared with the general community (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-4.6). They also had significantly higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth (mean difference = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.5-7.4) and surfaces scores (mean difference = 14.6, 95% CI = 4.1-25.1). CONCLUSION The increased focus on the physical health of people with SMI should encompass oral health. Possible interventions could include oral health assessment conducted using standard checklists that can be completed by non-dental personnel, help with oral hygiene, management of iatrogenic dry mouth, and early dental referral.
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Ayele FA, Taye BW, Ayele TA, Gelaye KA. Predictors of dental caries among children 7-14 years old in Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2013; 13:7. [PMID: 23331467 PMCID: PMC3554509 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6831-13-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental caries in children remains a significant public health problem. It is a disease with multifactorial causes. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries among children between 7 to 14 years old. METHODS A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar town from June 2011 to September 2011. A total of 842 children were involved in the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the children. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from mothers. Clinical examination of children was done using dental caries criteria set by world health organization. Data were entered, cleaned and edited using EPI Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 16.0 for analysis. Binary multiple logistic regression analyses was applied to test the association. RESULTS Four hundred sixty three (55%) children were females. The prevalence of dental caries was 306(36.3%).The educational status of children's father (AOR=0.3, 95%CI, 0.17, 0.80), monthly household income (AOR=0.59, 95%CI, 0.01, 0.45), regular teeth brushing (AOR=0.08, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.20) and using mouth rinsing (AOR=0.40, 95% CI, 0.2, 0.80) were found statistically significantly associated with dental caries. CONCLUSIONS Dental caries were high among children in Gondar town. Low socioeconomic status and poor oral hygiene practices were the influencing factors for dental caries. Oral hygiene, dietary habits and access to dental care services are supreme important for the prevention of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenta A Ayele
- Public health specialist, Amhara National Regional State, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Belaynew W Taye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institutes of Public Health, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse A Ayele
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institutes of Public Health, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun A Gelaye
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institutes of Public Health, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Kebede B, Kemal T, Abera S. Oral health status of patients with mental disorders in southwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39142. [PMID: 22723950 PMCID: PMC3377615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are known to be a risk factor for the development of different oral health problems especially for dental caries and periodontal diseases. In spite of this fact, no study has been conducted to reveal its magnitude in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the oral health status of psychiatric patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH), Psychiatric Clinic. METHODS A hospital based cross- sectional study was used from January to May 2011. A total of 240 participants were included in the study. Dental examination was done to measure indices of oral health: decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and community periodontal index (CPI). Oral examination was performed using mirror, probe and explorer by experienced dental doctors. A simple random sampling technique was implemented to collect data. ANOVA test, binary logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses were done using SPSS 16.0 statistical software. RESULTS The mean DMFT score among the psychiatric patients was 1.94 ± 2.12 (mean ± SD) with 1.28 ± 1.69, 0.51 ± 1.19 and 0.14 ± 0.48 (mean ± SD) for decayed, missed and filled teeth respectively. Only about 24% of the psychiatric patients had a healthy CPI score. Incorrect tooth brushing technique was significantly associated with a DMFT score greater than 2 (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.65, 7.79). The habit of sweet intake was also associated with dental caries (AOR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.95). Similarly, patients with a smoking habit also demonstrated statistically significant association with dental caries (AOR = 18.98; 95% CI: 5.06, 71.24). CONCLUSION The oral health status of the psychiatric patients was poor. Thus, health education about oral hygiene should be given for psychiatric patients so they can avoid the frequent intake of sweets, smoking and learn correct tooth brushing technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruktawit Kebede
- Department of Dentistry, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
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de Silva-Sanigorski A, Prosser L, Hegde S, Gussy MG, Calache H, Boak R, Nasser M, Carpenter L, Barrow S. Community-based, population level interventions for promoting child oral health. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Vered Y, Soskolne V, Zini A, Livny A, Sgan-Cohen HD. Psychological distress and social support are determinants of changing oral health status among an immigrant population from Ethiopia. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 39:145-53. [PMID: 21070316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2010.00581.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine associations between psychosocial profile (psychological distress and social support) and changing oral health status (dental caries and periodontal disease), among a group of immigrants from Ethiopia to Israel. METHODS Three hundred and forty immigrants, aged 18-75 years, with a mean age of 38.4±13.5 years, comprised the study population and were followed over a 5-year period. Dental caries was recorded employing the DMFT index. Periodontal health status was recorded employing the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Participants were interviewed using a structured written questionnaire which included two validated psychosocial scales, for psychological distress and social support. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS Among subjects with psychological distress, the adjusted mean caries (DMFT) increment in 2004-2005, since baseline (1999-2000), was 3.52±0.19 when compared to 0.35±0.15 among subjects with no psychological distress (P<0.001). Correspondingly, the percentage of people with increased periodontal pockets was 40%, when compared to 7%, respectively (P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis employing the DMFT as a continuous variable, and in multiple logistic regression analysis employing the DMFT as a dichotomous variable (% caries versus % caries-free), the four variables that reached statistical significance as predictors of caries status were previous caries experience, psychological distress, social support, and age. Gender, income, and education were not significantly related to current caries prevalence. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the three variables that reached statistical significance as predictors of periodontal disease (shallow and deep pockets) were previous periodontal disease experience, psychological distress, and age. Social support, gender, income, and education were not significantly associated with periodontal disease prevalence. CONCLUSIONS This study presents persuasive evidence that supports the role of psychological distress and social support as determinants of changing oral health levels, among a low socioeconomic, relatively homogenous immigrant minority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Vered
- Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Zini A, Vered Y, Sgan-Cohen HD. Are immigrant populations aware about their oral health status? A study among immigrants from Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:205. [PMID: 19558650 PMCID: PMC2709622 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence from Western countries indicates that there are fundamental discrepancies between self-perceived illness of immigrants and the provision of health care, according to the Western bio-medical health service model. These need to be understood in the planning and implementation stages of public health care programs for new immigrants. The objectives of the present study were to investigate self-perceived versus clinically diagnosed dental and periodontal health status among immigrants from Ethiopia. Methods During 2004–2005, dental and periodontal health status was recorded among 340 Ethiopian immigrants, utilizing the DMFT and CPI indices. Additionally, participants were interviewed using a questionnaire which included perceived dental and periodontal health status. Sensitivity and specificity levels of this perception were calculated and compared with the published scientific literature. Results Regarding dental caries, according to the three operational cut-off points, sensitivity ranged from 70% to 81%, and specificity ranged from 56% to 67%. Regarding periodontal status, 75% of the subjects clinically diagnosed with periodontal pockets self-perceived a "bad" health status of gums (sensitivity) and 54% of the subjects diagnosed without periodontal pockets, reported a "good" health status of gums (specificity). These indications of perception levels were higher than a previous study conducted among native born Israelis. Conclusion Minority ethnic groups should not be prejudicially regarded as less knowledgeable. This is illustrated by the unexpected high level of oral health status perception in the present population. Oral health promotion initiatives among immigrants should be based upon optimal descriptive data in order to accomplish the inherent social commitment to these diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Zini
- Department of Community Dentistry, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
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