Abstract
Aim: To assess the potential association between socio-demographic (place of residence, type of school attended, level of parents education and material status of the family) and behavioural (hygienic habits, health knowledge) factors and overall dental status in 18 year-olds in Malopolska province, Poland.
Methods: The study was performed in 2008. The sample contained 210 (122 females and 88 males) 18-year-olds randomly selected students from high schools and vocational schools. Depending on the DMFT value three groups were distinguished with: low (0 – 7 teeth), moderate (8-10 teeth) and high (>11 teeth) levels of caries. The students were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing the family social background, individual oral hygiene practices, frequency of dental appointments, and they also rated the importance of dental status for general health. Statistical analysis was based on chi squared tests for trend. The study protocol was approved by the Medical University of Warsaw B ioethics R eview C ommittee.
Results: Adolescents living in urban areas had lower DMFT than those living in small towns/villages (p=0.001). Higher DMFT was found in students whose parents had lower education level and lower family income (p=0.020). The type of school was also an important factor, with higher DMFT among vocational schools students compared to high school students (p=0.0001). Students’ good knowledge of caries prevention (p=0.006; p=0.021), choice of dentist (p=0.030) and receiving oral health information from the dentist (p=0.012) were also associated with lower DMFT. No association was found between DMFT and the frequency of dental attendance, type of dental surgery providing the treatment, or sex.
Conclusions: The living environment (city versus village), high parent’s education level and family income, as well as oral health knowledge and favourable health behaviours were associated with better dental status (lower DMFT) among adolescents in this sample.
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