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Gomes MAB, Cademartori MG, Goettems ML, Azevedo MS. Are maternal mental disorders associated with children's oral health? A systematic review. Int J Paediatr Dent 2020; 30:252-264. [PMID: 31849127 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Maternal mental problems may lead to a negative effect on children's oral health (COH). The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to answer the question: Are maternal mental disorders (MMD) associated with COH from zero to 12 years old? Electronic searches were performed in five databases with no language restriction. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. A total of 1183 references were identified, and seven studies were included. In relation to MMD studies investigated: Common Mental Disorders (n = 2), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (n = 2), symptoms of depression (SD) (n = 3), Alcohol-related diagnosis (n = 1), and symptoms of anxiety (n = 2). As outcome, the studies investigated dental caries (n = 5), gingivitis and periodontal diseases (n = 1), sleep bruxism (SB) (n = 1), and malocclusion (n = 1). Positive association was found between MDD and OH (SB and dental caries). There was no MMD associated with malocclusion. Alcohol-related diagnosis showed a positive association with gingivitis and periodontal diseases and no association with dental caries; anxiety had a positive association with dental caries and no association with SB. The heterogeneity of the data precluded precise conclusions to be drawn, but MMD may have influence on COH.
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Manohar N, Hayen A, Fahey P, Arora A. Obesity and dental caries in early childhood: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Obes Rev 2020; 21:e12960. [PMID: 31721413 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and dental caries in children are significant health problems. The aims of this review are to identify whether children aged 6 years and younger with overweight and/or obesity have higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight and, secondly, to identify the common risk factors associated with both conditions. Medline, Embase, and seven other databases were systematically searched followed by lateral searches from reference lists, grey literature, theses, conference proceedings, and contacting field experts. Longitudinal observational studies addressing overweight and/or obesity and dental caries in children aged 6 years and younger were included. A random effects model meta-analyses were applied. Nine studies were included in this review. Children with overweight and obesity had a significantly higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight (n = 6). The pooled estimates showed that difference in caries experience between the two groups was statistically significant. Low levels of parental income and education were identified to be associated with both conditions in the sample population. Children with overweight and obesity are more vulnerable to dental caries. Low levels of parental income and education influence the relationship between the two conditions. However, the quality of evidence varied considerably; therefore, findings should be interpreted cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendar Manohar
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Fahey
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
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da Silva AN, Alvares de Lima ST, Vettore MV. Protective psychosocial factors and dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Paediatr Dent 2018; 28:443-458. [PMID: 29926978 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial protective factors include dispositional and family attributes that may reduce the occurrence of dental caries. AIM This review analysed the evidence on the relationship between protective psychosocial factors and dental caries in children and adolescents. DESIGN Primary studies involving children and adolescents were searched in the following electronic databases: Medline, SCOPUS, LILACS, SciELO, and Web of Science. The reference lists were also screened. Protective psychosocial factor descriptors were in accordance with the salutogenic theory. The outcome was clinical measure of dental caries. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS The final search resulted in 35 studies, including 7 cohort, one case-control, and 27 cross-sectional studies. Most studies were of moderate quality. Meta-analyses revealed that low parental internal locus of control (cohort studies: OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.64; cross-sectional studies: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19-1.41), high parental external chance (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.29), and high maternal sense of coherence (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93) were associated with dental caries in children. High social support (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.93) and greater self-efficacy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-1.22) were also associated with dental caries in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests that some salutogenic factors are important protective factors of dental caries during childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Neiva da Silva
- Department of Health and Society, Institute of Community Health, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Mario Vianna Vettore
- Unit Oral Health, Dentistry and Society, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Nunes VH, Perosa GB. Cárie dentária em crianças de 5 anos: fatores sociodemográficos, lócus de controle e atitudes parentais. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2017; 22:191-200. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232017221.13582015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo A cárie dentária afeta grande parte das crianças, principalmente as de baixo nível socioeconômico. Neste estudo, de delineamento transversal, objetivou-se investigar o papel de fatores sociodemográficos, atitudes parentais e do Lócus de Controle, indicador da percepção pessoal sobre o que controla a saúde do sujeito, na prevalência de cárie em pré-escolares de cinco anos, moradores de cidade de médio porte paulista. Avaliou-se o índice ceo-d de 426 crianças; os pais informaram sobre as características sociodemográficas, responderam a dois questionários de Lócus de Controle e um de atitudes parentais. Os resultados mostraram que 52,35% dos pré-escolares apresentaram cárie, com a severa em níveis mais altos nos estratos mais baixos E-F. Nível socioeconômico mais alto e baixa externalidade mostraram-se como fatores de proteção. Baixa internalidade parental apareceu como um fator de risco para cárie nos dentes decíduos, possivelmente porque a mãe espera ou delega a ação a outros, retardando os cuidados. A percepção parental de controle sobre a saúde do filho parece favorecer cuidados preventivos e, consequentemente, o nível de cárie da criança.
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de Souza PMDES, Proença MAM, Franco MM, Rodrigues VP, Costa JF, Costa EL. Association between early childhood caries and maternal caries status: A cross-section study in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Eur J Dent 2015; 9:122-126. [PMID: 25713495 PMCID: PMC4319288 DOI: 10.4103/1305-7456.149659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the association between early childhood caries (ECC) and maternal caries status, and the maternal perception of ECC risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out with 77 mother-child pairs, the children ranging from 12 to 36 months of age and their mothers, who were seeking dental care at a health center in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Data collection was conducted using a specific questionnaire for mothers. Oral clinical examination of the mother-child binomial to assess caries incidence, gingival bleeding (GB) and visible plaque was done. Home visits were performed in 10% of the sample in order to observe the environmental conditions, dietary habits and dental hygiene practices. RESULTS The findings showed that the caries prevalence in children was 22.5 times higher in the mother who had decayed tooth (prevalence ratio [PR] = 22.5, confidence interval [CI] 95% = 3.2-156.6, P < 0.001). GB also was observed in 14 mothers and children, the PR in pair was 12.2 (CI95% = 1.6-88.9, P < 0.001). The variables are related for the mother-child binomial in regression linear analysis. CONCLUSION The maternal caries status was associated with ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mayra Moura Franco
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | | | - José Ferreira Costa
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Lima Costa
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
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Development and validation of a scale measuring the locus of control orientation in relation to socio-dental effects. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2014; 16:191-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s40368-014-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Boing AF, Bastos JL, Peres KG, Antunes JLF, Peres MA. Social determinants of health and dental caries in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2010. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2014; 17 Suppl 2:102-15. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-4503201400060009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review epidemiological studies conducted in Brazil that investigated the distribution of dental caries according to socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics. METHODS: The systematic review included articles published between 1999 and 2010 available in six bibliographic sources, without any other restriction. We analyzed the bibliometric and methodological characteristics of the studies, and the direction and statistical significance of associations tested. RESULTS: Of the 1,128 references identified, 67 were incorporated into this study. There was a higher percentage of publications in the last two years and most of the studies were conducted in the South and Southeast of the country with a young population. The cross-sectional design, using a complex sampling procedure, was the most commonly adopted. The DMFT and dmft indexes were the most commonly used to measure dental caries, while sex/gender, income, education, race/skin color and type of school were the most common socioeconomic exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies identified a high rates of dental caries among the poorest, least educated, black and brown and female individuals. A more detailed methodological and theoretically sound study of the relationship between dental caries and socioeconomic conditions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen Glazer Peres
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil; The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Marco Aurélio Peres
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil; The University of Adelaide, Australia
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Silva AER, Menezes AMB, Demarco FF, Vargas-Ferreira F, Peres MA. Obesity and dental caries: systematic review. Rev Saude Publica 2013; 47:799-812. [DOI: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2013047004608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying, through a systematic literature review, evidence of a possible association between obesity and dental caries. METHODS A search of articles published between 2005 and January 2012 was performed in the Medline/PubMed, LILACS and Web of Science databases. The quality of scientific evidence of the selected articles was assessed by the items proposed for observational studies in the Downs & Black instrument. RESULTS Initially, 537 references were found; after checking the titles and abstracts by two independent researchers, twenty-eight articles were selected for complete reading. Ten of them that assessed the primary and/or permanent dentition observed a positive association between obesity and dental caries and one study found an inverse association. According to the Downs & Black classification, thirteen articles with good scientific evidence were found. CONCLUSIONS The present review did not find sufficient evidence regarding the association between obesity and dental caries, and it did not clarify the possible role of diet and other possible effect modifiers on this association.
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Biral AM, Taddei JADAC, Passoni DF, Palma D. Cárie dentária e práticas alimentares entre crianças de creches do município de São Paulo. REV NUTR 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-52732013000100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar associações entre a cárie dentária e a introdução de alimentos complementares em crianças de 11 a 34 meses matriculadas em creches. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 288 crianças de oito creches do município de São Paulo, realizado em 2007. Para o diagnóstico da cárie dentária foi utilizado o Índice de Cárie Modificado, que foi investigado por uma equipe de três cirurgiãs-dentistas treinadas quanto à precisão e acurácia. A introdução de alimentos foi avaliada por meio de questionário pré-codificado e pré-testado. Para quantificar as associações foi utilizado o teste Quiquadrado. Para análise multivariada foram ajustados modelos de regressão logística (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram examinadas 228 crianças com idade entre 11 e 34 meses (M=24 meses; Dp=6,02), das quais 53,9% eram do sexo masculino e 57,45% frequentavam creches filantrópicas. A maioria da amostra (77,0%) apresentou Índice de Cárie Modificado igual ou superior a 1, enquanto o índice médio encontrado foi de 3,8 cáries por criança. Como fatores de risco significantes, foram identificados o sexo masculino (OR=1,815; p=0,03) e a escolaridade paterna inferior a oito anos (OR=1,94; p=0,02). O modelo de regressão logística identificou a exposição a carboidratos simples como fator de risco independente após o controle dos efeitos de sexo e escolaridade paterna, responsável por aumento de 2,5 vezes nas chances de apresentar o Índice de Cárie Modificado igual ou superior a 1. CONCLUSÃO: Atenção especial deve ser dada a esse grupo de indivíduos, adotando-se políticas preventivas em saúde bucal e formação de hábitos alimentares saudáveis nas creches.
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Hooley M, Skouteris H, Boganin C, Satur J, Kilpatrick N. Parental influence and the development of dental caries in children aged 0-6 years: a systematic review of the literature. J Dent 2012; 40:873-85. [PMID: 22842202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A well established body of research documents the role of individual factors, such as biology and diet, in the aetiology of early childhood caries (ECC). Recently empirical attention has shifted to the relationships between broader ecological influences (e.g., education, ethnicity and income) and ECC; however, how such determinants interplay in the aetiology of ECC remains unclear. An intermediary mechanism that warrants greater empirical attention is parental influences. This oversight is interesting given the primacy of the parent in governing the child's proximate environment and the likelihood of the child endorsing adaptive or maladaptive health attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The objective of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence for parental influences on the development of caries in children aged 0-6 years. DATA All studies testing associations between dental caries and socio-demographic factors, feeding practices, parent attributes, behaviours, oral health, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs in children aged 0-6 years, published between 2006 and 2011. SOURCE Medline, ISI, Cochrane, Scopus, Global Health and CINAHL databases. STUDY SELECTION Fifty-five studies were included from an initial identification of 1805 studies. CONCLUSIONS To date, most research has focused on the association between caries and socio-demographic and feeding factors with few studies exploring parents' attributes, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs, and none exploring possible pathways between the multiple layers of influences potentially accounting for how determinants of ECC operate and traverse individual, familial, community, and socio-cultural contexts. Collaboration between Psychologists and Dentists may accelerate the identification and understanding of mechanisms that underlie risk associated with ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrilyn Hooley
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Almeida TFD, Vianna MIP, Cabral MBBDS, Cangussu MCT, Floriano FR. Family context and incidence of dental caries in preschool children living in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2012; 28:1183-95. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2012000600017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial factors influence family care and can jeopardize child development. This study aimed to analyze the association between maternal common mental disorders and incidence of early dental caries in preschool-age children living in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, in a cohort design. A total of 472 children were examined and their mothers were interviewed from 2007 to 2008. Incidence of at least one tooth with caries was 21.19%, while 7.84% of the children showed high risk of caries. The results after adjusting for the child's age and maternal schooling showed that maternal common mental disorders were associated with high caries risk in deciduous teeth (adjusted RR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.05-5.56, among children with 6 or fewer home appliances in the household; adjusted RR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.06-11.17, among those that brushed twice or less per day). Maternal mental problems were associated with the development of caries in preschoolers.
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Melo MMDCD, Souza WVD, Lima MLCD, Braga C. [Factors associated with dental caries in preschoolers in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2011; 27:471-85. [PMID: 21519698 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2011000300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate factors associated with dental caries in deciduous dentition, a nested case-control study was conducted in a prevalence survey of preschool children (n = 1,690) aged 18 to 36 months and 5 years of age, treated under the Family Health Program in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, in 2006. Cases were children with dmft > 1 and controls with dmft = 0. The independent variables were analyzed in blocks: demographic, environmental, family structure, health care, and dental services use. OR and 95%CI were estimated. Variables associated with the outcome at p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The cutoff for remaining in the final model was p < 0.10. Larger households (more members), lack of running supply, time of residence, maternal (or caregiver's) schooling, attendance in public preschool, demand for dental services, and sugar intake patterns were associated factors. Variables related to social context were the main predictors of caries, thus highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address other common childhood health problems.
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Tiano AVP, Moimaz SAS, Saliba O, Garbin CAS. Prevalence of enamel white spots and risk factors in children up to 36 months old. Braz Oral Res 2009; 23:215-22. [DOI: 10.1590/s1806-83242009000200020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Tiano AVP, Moimaz SAS, Saliba O, Saliba NA. Dental caries prevalence in children up to 36 months of age attending daycare centers in municipalities with different water fluoride content. J Appl Oral Sci 2009; 17:39-44. [PMID: 19148404 PMCID: PMC4327612 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-77572009000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined the prevalence of cavitated caries lesions (CCL) and early childhood caries (ECC), and the contribution of some variables in children up to 36 months of age attending daycare centers in municipalities with different fluoride levels in the water supply: AFC (adequate fluoride content) and LFC (low fluoride content). After approval of the Ethics Committee, the parents were interviewed. The children were clinically examined using the same codes and criteria established by the WHO (World Health Organization) and the ADA (American Dental Association). Fisher's exact test (p<0.05) was applied for statistical analysis of data. The dmft indices calculated in the LFC and AFC municipalities were 0.57 and 0.68, respectively. Considering all children examined, 17.6% presented CCL and 33.8% ECC. The economic classification, mother's education level and duration of breastfeeding were considered statistically significant with regards to CCL prevalence. The age group, duration of the habit of drinking milk before bedtime and age at which oral hygiene started were considered statistically significant with regards to ECC prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valéria Pagliari Tiano
- Preventive and Community Dentistry Program, Dental School of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil.
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Lencová E, Pikhart H, Broukal Z, Tsakos G. Relationship between parental locus of control and caries experience in preschool children - cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:208. [PMID: 18547444 PMCID: PMC2442069 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to high prevalence and serious impacts, childhood caries represents a public health issue. Behavioural risk factors such as locus of health control have been implicated in the development of the disease; however their association with childhood caries has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the relationship between parental locus of health control and caries experience and untreated caries of their preschool children in a representative sample in Czech Republic, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A representative sample of 285 preschool children and their parents was recruited. Study data included children's dental status recorded in nurseries and parental questionnaires with 13 attitudinal items regarding locus of control (LoC) in caries prevention. The association between parental locus of control and children's caries experience and level of untreated caries was analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for the effect of key sociodemographic variables. Results There was a statistically highly significant linear trend between increased parental LoC and higher probability of the children to be free from untreated caries, independent from the effect of sociodemographic variables of children and parents. A similar highly statistically significant trend, although not entirely linear, and independent from sociodemographic variables was observed with respect to the chance of the children to be free from caries experience with increasing strength of parental LoC. After full adjustment, children in the strongest parental LoC quintile were 2.81 (1.23–6.42, p< 0.05) times more likely to be free from untreated caries in comparison to the weakest parental LoC quintile and 2.32 (1.02–5.25, p< 0.05) times more likely to be free from caries experience in comparison to the weakest parental LoC quintile. Conclusion The findings support the hypothesis that higher internal parental LoC is associated with better control of both untreated caries and caries experience in their preschool children and highlight that a more internal LoC within the family is advantageous in the prevention of dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Lencová
- Institute of Dental Research - 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Prague, the Czech Republic.
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