Inequalities in caries among pre-school Italian children with different background.
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BORIS DOI
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
35869462
Description
BACKGROUND
The study was aimed to describe caries prevalence and severity and health inequalities among Italian preschool children with European and non-European background and to explore the potential presence of a social gradient.
METHODS
The ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) was recorded at school on 6,825 children (52.8% females). Caries frequency and severity was expressed as a proportion, recording the most severe ICDAS score observed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was estimated by mean a standardized self-submitted questionnaire filled-in by parents. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) based on regression of the mid-point value of caries experiences score for each SES group was calculated and a social gradient was generated, children were stratified into four social gradient levels based on the number of worst options. Multivariate regression models (Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial logistic and logistic regression) were used to elucidate the associations between all explanatory variables and caries prevalence.
RESULTS
Overall, 54.4% (95%CI 46.7-58.3%) of the children were caries-free; caries prevalence was statistically significant higher in children with non-European background compared to European children (72.6% vs 41.6% p < 0.01) and to the area of living (p = 0.03). A statistically significant trend was observed for ICDAS 5/6 score and the worst social/behavioral level (Z = 5.24, p < 0.01). Children in the highest household income group had lower levels of caries. In multivariate analysis, Immigrant status, the highest parents' occupational and educational level, only one kid in the family, living in the North-Western Italian area and a high household income, were statistically significant associated (p = 0.01) to caries prevalence. The social gradient was statistically significant associated (p < 0.01) to the different caries levels and experience in children with European background.
CONCLUSIONS
Data show how caries in preschool children is an unsolved public health problem especially in those with a non-European background.
The study was aimed to describe caries prevalence and severity and health inequalities among Italian preschool children with European and non-European background and to explore the potential presence of a social gradient.
METHODS
The ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) was recorded at school on 6,825 children (52.8% females). Caries frequency and severity was expressed as a proportion, recording the most severe ICDAS score observed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was estimated by mean a standardized self-submitted questionnaire filled-in by parents. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) based on regression of the mid-point value of caries experiences score for each SES group was calculated and a social gradient was generated, children were stratified into four social gradient levels based on the number of worst options. Multivariate regression models (Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial logistic and logistic regression) were used to elucidate the associations between all explanatory variables and caries prevalence.
RESULTS
Overall, 54.4% (95%CI 46.7-58.3%) of the children were caries-free; caries prevalence was statistically significant higher in children with non-European background compared to European children (72.6% vs 41.6% p < 0.01) and to the area of living (p = 0.03). A statistically significant trend was observed for ICDAS 5/6 score and the worst social/behavioral level (Z = 5.24, p < 0.01). Children in the highest household income group had lower levels of caries. In multivariate analysis, Immigrant status, the highest parents' occupational and educational level, only one kid in the family, living in the North-Western Italian area and a high household income, were statistically significant associated (p = 0.01) to caries prevalence. The social gradient was statistically significant associated (p < 0.01) to the different caries levels and experience in children with European background.
CONCLUSIONS
Data show how caries in preschool children is an unsolved public health problem especially in those with a non-European background.
Date of Publication
2022-07-23
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & health
Keyword(s)
Caries Children Health care disparities Inequalities Pediatric dentistry Social determinants
Language(s)
en
Contributor(s)
Cocco, Fabio | |
Strohmenger, Laura | |
Balian, Araxi | |
Arghittu, Antonella | |
Cagetti, Maria Grazia |
Additional Credits
Zahnmedizinische Kliniken, Klinik für Zahnerhaltung, Präventiv- und Kinderzahnmedizin
Series
BMC pediatrics
Publisher
BioMed Central
ISSN
1471-2431
Access(Rights)
open.access