The influence of sense of coherence on the relationship between childhood socioeconomic status and adult oral health-related behaviours

Prospective association of daily toothbrushing frequency and the prevalence of childhood functional constipation: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

Functional constipation is the most common gastrointestinal disorder during childhood. Oral stimulation (mastication and toothbrushing) reportedly improves bowel movements, but the association between daily toothbrushing behavior and functional constipation remains unknown. Data (n = 83,660) from fetal records (n = 104,059) in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, an ongoing prospective birth cohort, were analyzed to investigate the impact of daily toothbrushing frequency on functional constipation during childhood, using ROME III diagnostic criteria. After multiple imputations of data acquired from self-reported questionnaires, a multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was used with adjustments for several maternal and child-related variables. Functional constipation was observed in 10,123 (12.1%) and 8,820 (10.5%) participants at 3 and 4 years postpartum, respectively. Using the appropriate frequency of daily toothbrushing (twice or more) as a reference, the odds of functional constipation increased with decreasing daily toothbrushing frequency after covariate adjustments involving daily feeding frequency. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for functional constipation in participants without daily toothbrushing behavior (less than once a day) at 4 years postpartum was 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-2.61). Similarly, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for chronic functional constipation (at both 3 and 4 years postpartum) in participants without daily toothbrushing behavior (less than once a day) at 2 years postpartum was 1.62 (1.14-2.31). Functional constipation during childhood was associated with decreased daily toothbrushing frequency. Although the underlying mechanism of daily toothbrushing behavior in prompting bowel movements remains unclear, it is a major basis of self-health management in children that plays an important role in managing functional constipation.

Mother's Sense of Coherence and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy-Matched Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The sense of coherence (SOC) is important for the well-being, especially mothers of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Mother's SOC and oral health status in children/adolescents with and without CP.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A paired cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 children/adolescents with CP, 102 without CP, and their respective mothers. Participants were aged between 3 and 17 years, matched by sex and age. Antonovsky's SOC questionnaire (SOC-13) was answered by mothers from both groups, characteristics and the oral status of the children were investigated. Clinical type of CP, Gross Motor Function (GMFCS), oral hygiene quality (OHI-S), and dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The CP condition of the children was significantly associated with Mother's SOC (P < 0.001). Mothers of children with CP had lower SOC scores (mean: 27.6 [±3.0]) than mothers of children without CP (mean: 30.2 [±7.7]). In the CP group, level IV, V of Gross Motor function was associated with lower mother's SOC scores (p = 0.001). In both groups, dental caries experience was associated with lower mother's SOC scores, CP group (p < 0.001), without CP group (p = 0.002). Regarding the individual characteristics, CP group presented with lower-quality of oral hygiene (p < 0.001) and high prevalence of dental caries (p = 0.001). Regarding marital status, mothers of CP group were majority single, separated, or divorced (p < 0.001), and presented more difficulties in finding a dentist for their child (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Mother's SOC was statistically significantly associated with the presence of dental caries in children/adolescents with and without CP. Mothers of children/adolescents with CP presented with lower values of SOC.

Association of sense of coherence and periodontal disease severity, in two cross-sectional studies

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between the individuals' level of sense of coherence (SOC) and periodontal disease severity.

METHODS

The study populations originated from two stratified cross-sectional random samples of residents in a medium-sized Swedish city in 2003 and 2013, respectively. The final samples constituted 491 individuals in 2003 and 538 individuals in 2013. The samples were classified into three groups according to the severity of periodontitis (no/minor, moderate and severe). The 13-item Swedish version of Antonovsky's "Orientation to life" questionnaire, measuring the individual's SOC, was filled out. Descriptive statistics were performed as well as multinomial logistic regression analysis. Dependent variable was the severity of periodontal disease and independent variables, age in years, presently smoking and education at university level.

RESULTS

In the multinomial regression analysis, smoking, age, and total SOC score were significantly associated with severe periodontitis at both examinations. The strongest predictor of severe periodontal disease was smoking. The total SOC score did not differ between the examinations, but there was a statistically significant difference in two of the SOC dimensions, manageability (lower), and comprehensibility (higher), over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with severe periodontitis had significantly lower SOC compared to subjects periodontally having no/minor periodontal disease. Smoking was the strongest overall predictor of having severe periodontitis.

Sense of coherence and substance use in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study systematically reviews the evidence on the association between sense of coherence (SOC) and substance use during adulthood. Two researchers conducted independent literature searches on the PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Original articles assessing SOC and substance use in adults (age > 19 years) were included. Two reviewers independently assessed studies in two phases - initially by reading the title/abstract, then the full text. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Estimates were pooled using random-effects models. Bibliographic search identified 21 studies on the association between SOC and substance use in adults. Studies (n = 11) that assessed the association with tobacco smoking found a 0.92 (95%CI: 0.82; 1.01, very low degree of certainty) odds of smoking among those with a high SOC; the association was not modified by age. Individuals with a strong SOC had lower odds of using alcohol (pooled effect: OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.50; 0.90, very low degree of certainty); adjustment for confounding variables decreased the magnitude of the association (pooled OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.80; 0.98). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that a strong SOC protects against substance use among adults regardless of age, with practical implications for preventive interventions and tailored strategies aimed at high-risk individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the impact of SOC on substance use. Examining interactions with socioeconomic factors and including diverse populations would enhance generalizability.

Comparison of effectiveness of oral hygiene instruction methods in improving plaque scores among 8-9-year children: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The relative effectiveness of different methods used for delivery of information regarding oral health in children has not been widely raised in the literature. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of verbal oral hygiene instruction (OHI) against the verbal instruction supplemented by three different methods (written, teeth teaching model, and videotape) on the mean plaque scores and to determine factors that may influence the effectiveness of methods used.

METHODS

Prospective-comparative randomized controlled trial carried out on 120 children aged 8-9 years. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (verbal, verbal and written, verbal and teeth teaching model, and verbal and video). Plaque Control Index was evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after OHI. ANOVA and post hoc, t test, and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease of the mean percentage of plaque scores was found indicating the effectiveness of different methods of delivery of OHI (p < 0.01, 0.001). Verbal supported by teaching model was the most statistically effective method (p < 0.001) followed by the verbal (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the improvement in plaque score (p < 0.001) between the four methods of OHI after controlling for age, gender, monthly income, mother's and father's educational levels and plaque index before delivery of OHI.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the method used, a gradient of effectiveness was observed in improving plaque scores. Verbal instruction supplemented by teaching model was the most effective. Effectiveness was influenced by monthly income, mother's and father's educational levels and plaque index before OHI.

Influence of maternal postpartum depression on children's toothbrushing frequency

OBJECTIVES

Daily toothbrushing behaviour is very effective for the prevention of early childhood dental caries (ECC), but is mostly dependent upon parental management. Intrapersonal association between lower toothbrushing frequency and depression is well known; however, the impact of maternal postpartum depression on child toothbrushing behaviour within the mother-child dyad remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the prevalence of maternal postpartum depression and lower toothbrushing frequency in children aged two years.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of a data set from the Japan Environment and Children's Study was performed. A total of 104 062 fetuses were enrolled after obtaining informed written parental consent, in which 84 533 mother-infant pairs were included after applying exclusion criteria. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate maternal postpartum depression (a total score of ≥9 in EPDS) at one and six months postpartum. Indeed, the participants were classified based on the persistence of postpartum depression: 'Resilient' (no prevalence); 'Improving' (prevalence only at one month postpartum); 'Emergent' (prevalence only at six months postpartum); and 'Chronic' (prevalence at both time points). The association between postpartum depression and a toothbrushing frequency in children (the reference group: more than once per day, the low group: once per day, and the very-low group: less than once per day) was examined using Poisson regression models with adjustments for maternal and child characteristics after multiple imputations for missing data.

RESULTS

The prevalence of maternal postpartum depression at one and six months postpartum was 13.9% and 11.4%, respectively; the proportions of each persistence group were 81.1% ('Resilient'), 7.5% ('Improving'), 5.0% ('Emergent') and 6.4% ('Chronic'). Concerning children's toothbrushing frequency, 51.6% and 0.5% of participants self-reported frequencies of once per day and less than once per day, respectively. The association of maternal postpartum depression with a lower toothbrushing frequency in children consistently had higher relative risks (RRs). However, these associations were weakened when adjusting for whether the child could self-perform toothbrushing or whether this was done under parental supervision. A key result is that participants with persistent postpartum depression at both one and six month(s) postpartum showed the highest adjusted RRs (95% CI) for lower toothbrushing frequency in children (1.08 [1.04-1.12] with a decrease in children's toothbrushing frequency).

CONCLUSION

Maternal mental health provides valuable screening information for children with lower toothbrushing frequency for the purpose of preventing ECC.

Dental caries and psychosocial factors: Testing a conceptual model in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

A conceptual model was designed to examine interrelations among psychosocial factors, oral health behaviour, and dental caries in a sample of adolescents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study design of 531 Greek families included an oral examination and a survey completed by adolescents, and a survey completed by mothers. The outcome measure was dental caries experience. Additionally, dental sealants were recorded. The participants provided information which comprised the Sense of Coherence (SoC) scale and 11 psychosocial and behavioural variables that formed 6 composite variables (life-course experiences, socio-economic status, perceived parental support, perceived parental punishment, preventive measures, sugar intake frequency). The composite variables of preventive measures and sugar intake formed the latent variable of oral health behaviour. The interrelations of the above factors were included in a conceptual model and tested using a Structural Equation Modelling analysis.

RESULTS

Data fit the proposed conceptual model (χ²  = 23.338, df = 14, P = .055, RMSEA = 0.036). Among psychosocial variables, adolescent's SoC was the best predictor of both dental caries (Standardized Regression Coefficient - Std. RC ± Standard Error (SE) = -0.178 ± 0.04) and oral health behaviour (Std. RC ± SE = -0.378 ± 0.09). All psychosocial factors were associated with SoC (Std. RCs ± SE between -0.162 ± 0.04 and 0.211 ± 0.04) and via SoC with oral health behaviour (Std. RCs ± SE between -0.080 ± 0.03 and 0.061 ± 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

A conceptual model was tested that integrated SoC with the psychosocial factors theoretically shaping it and clarified all factors' predictive abilities on dental caries via oral health behaviour.

A Cross-sectional Study on Sense of Coherence and Its Relationship with Caries Experience and Socioeconomic Status in 11-16-year-old Schoolchildren

Aim

To know the association of sense of coherence (SOC), caries experience, and socioeconomic status (SES) in 11-16-year-old schoolchildren.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study included a total of 595 schoolchildren aged 11-16 years, and informed consent was obtained. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected through pro forma filled by the parents. Sense of coherence of children was recorded with SOC-13 item questionnaire given in both English and local language (Telugu). Caries experience was recorded with DMFT index by carrying out the intra-oral examination of children.

Results

In a total of 595 schoolchildren, 35% children have weak SOC, 34.9% have moderate SOC, and 29.9% have strong SOC. Caries experience was inversely associated with SOC (p value = 0.006) on analysis by ANOVA. On multivariate regression analysis, it was observed that for every one-unit increase in SOC, caries experience decreased by 0.11 unit. However, there was statistically no significant (p value = 0.09) relation between childhood SES and SOC. Age (p value = 0.08) and gender (p value = 0.19) are not associated with SOC.

Conclusion

Sense of coherence influences the caries experience irrespective of socioeconomic status, age, and gender of the child.

Clinical significance

Children having stronger SOC have increased likelihood to seek out preventive dental services, which helps in maintaining good oral health. SOC is structured mainly by the experiences during the early years of life. Therefore, SOC can be strengthened by interventions in the early life through school dental health programs.

How to cite this article

Mrudhula KJN, Vinay C, Uloopi KS, et al. A Cross-sectional Study on Sense of Coherence and Its Relationship with Caries Experience and Socioeconomic Status in 11-16-year-old Schoolchildren. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):493-496.

Sense of coherence and impact of oral health on quality of life in adults and elderly in Southern Brazil

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the Sense of Coherence and impact of oral health on the quality of life. Was conducted with a sample of 720 individuals of both sexes, between the ages of 50 and 74 years, selected through multistage proportional random sampling. The data collection instruments used were: short version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) questionnaire, oral clinical examination and questionnaire containing socio demographic and use of dental services information. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed through Poisson regression adjusted for robust variance, with level of significance p < 0.05. Oral impacts were reported by 416 participants (57.8%). In the adjusted model, those with strong SOC were more likely of not having any impact when compared with individuals with weak SOC (PR=1.30). Need for dental prosthesis was also associated with the outcome, individuals who did not require prosthesis had less impact (PR=1.50). The findings showed that SOC is associated with OIDP, supporting the hypothesis that individuals with strong SOC present a lower impact of oral health on the quality of life, suggesting that SOC is a determinant that can provide protection against that impact.

Impact of sense of coherence on oral health-related quality of life among Brazilian adults

It has been postulated that oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) may be affected by the sense of coherence (SOC), but there are no epidemiological studies investigating this association in Brazilian adults. The present study was conducted among adults of a mid-sized Brazilian city, with the aim of looking into this association. The probability sampling consisted of 342 adults aged 35-44 years old, from a mid-sized Brazilian city, who were examined at their homes for caries (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth [DMFT] Index) and periodontal disease (Community Periodontal Index - CPI), according to WHO criteria. The questionnaire applied included demographic factors, socioeconomic information, use of dental services, behavior, SOC and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The OHIP outcome, measured by prevalence of the impact, was analyzed by binary logistic regression using a hierarchical approach, a conceptual model, and a 5% significance level. A total of 67.9% of the respondents had one or more impacts on OHRQoL, and 54.4% showed a high SOC. The impact on OHRQoL was more prevalent in adults who had a manual occupation (PR = 2.47, 95%CI 1.24-4.93), those who perceived the need for dental treatment (PR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.67-5.14), and those who had untreated caries (PR = 1.93, 95%CI 1.07-3.47). Those with a low SOC had a twofold higher prevalence of impact on OHRQoL (PR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.29-3.71). This impact on OHRQoL was associated with a low SOC, even after adjusted by socioeconomic, behavioral and clinical factors. Future studies should consider the SOC in determining the oral health impact on quality of life.

Modeling the factors associating with health-related habits among Japanese students

The aim of the present study was to clarify the structural relationship between health-related habits and psychosocial factors during adolescence/early adulthood. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was provided to 1141 third- and fourth-year students at eight academic departments from six universities in regional Japanese cities. Surveys included items addressing participants' demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors (individual-level social capital, self-efficacy, mental health (from health-related quality of life SF-36v2), and sense of coherence (SOC)), and health-related habits. A multiple indicator analysis based on structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the structural relationship between health-related habits and these factors. Valid responses were obtained from 952 participants. The final model demonstrated a high level of goodness of fit. While the path from SOC to health-related habits was significant, those from self-efficacy to health-related habits and from mental health to health-related habits were not significant. The path coefficient from SOC to health-related habits was greater than the path coefficient from background characteristics. In the multiple population comparison that considered gender, a nearly identical model was supported for men and women. Psychosocial factors related to health-related habits were social capital, self-efficacy, mental health, and SOC. Furthermore, it was suggested that SOC functions as an intervening factor for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It was observed that individual psychosocial factors influence health-related habits more than their background characteristics. Findings highlight that supporting the building of social relationships and social environments is essential to promote a healthy lifestyle among university students.

Impact of Sense of Coherence on Oral Health among Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim and Objectives:

To assess the sense of coherence (SOC) and the impact of SOC on oral hygiene behaviors and oral health status among bus drivers in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during August–September 2017. Cluster random sampling methodology was used for the selection of drivers. Five depots were randomly selected from the list of various Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation depots in Nellore district. The estimated sample size was proportionately divided among these five depots of Nellore district (n = 120). The SOC-related data were obtained using short version of Antonovsky's SOC scale. Every item was scored on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7. The sum of the scores for SOC was 13–91. A high score indicates a strong SOC. Clinical examination was done for recording oral health status using Oral Hygiene Index-simplified (OHI-S), dental caries, periodontal status, and oral mucosal lesions were recorded according to the WHO criteria 1997. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS ver. 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

Majority of the bus drivers who participated in the study had a low SOC (60%). A significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation was observed with age (r = 0.1420), socioeconomic status (r = 0.1467), and visit to dentist (r = 0.1912). A nonsignificant negative correlation was observed with habits (r = −0.0681), OHI-S (r = −0.0772), dental caries (r = −0.0874), Community Periodontal Index (r = −0.0642), loss of attachment (r = −0.0650), and oral mucosal lesions (r = −0.0542).

Conclusion:

Strong SOC was associated with increase in age, better socioeconomic status, good habits, increased frequency of dental visits, and a good oral health.

Influence of sense of coherence on adolescents' self-perceived dental aesthetics; a cross-sectional study

Background

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a psychosocial factor capable of influencing perception of health, improving one’s ability to manage life. It is the central construct of salutogenesis. SOC allows for identification and mobilization of resources to effectively manage or solve problems, promoting health and quality of life. Using Wilson-Cleary’s conceptual model we hypothesized that SOC might contribute to self-perception of dental aesthetics. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SOC levels were related to self-perception of dental aesthetics against assessed normative orthodontic treatment need among adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 615 male and female adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. Data collection comprised socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, SOC (SOC 13), self-perceived dental aesthetics (Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale), and assessment of orthodontic treatment need (Dental Aesthetic Index). Statistical analysis involved Pearson’s chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated for the determination of the strength of correlations among the numerical variables. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05).

Results

50.1% of the participants were classified as having a high SOC (≥ median). Overall, SOC was associated with self-perceived dental aesthetics (p = 0.048). In the adolescents with no orthodontic treatment need, those with a low SOC perceived their dental aesthetics more negatively than those with high levels of SOC. The multiple regression analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between SOC and: 1) age (p = 0.007), SOC being higher in the younger age group; 2) self-perceived dental aesthetics (p = 0.001), a higher SOC being associated with those who had a positive dental self-perception.

Conclusions

SOC was associated with self-perceived dental aesthetics and adolescents with a high SOC were more likely to perceive their dental aesthetics more positively. SOC did not seem to influence self-perception of dental aesthetics in adolescents who were clinically assessed as having an orthodontic treatment need, however, in those where there was no orthodontic treatment need, a low SOC was associated with a negative self-perception of dental appearance.

Sense of coherence and oral health in older adults in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sense of coherence and oral health among older adults treated at family health units in southern Brazil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The sample was composed of 164 individuals aged 60 years old or older. Socio-demographic and oral health variables were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Sense of coherence (SOC) was measured with the questionnaire proposed by Antonovsky containing 29 closed-ended questions. Poisson regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with SOC.

RESULTS

Among the 164 older adults, 53.9% were edentate, 54.5% did not need any type of dental prosthesis, and 82.1% had good/adequate self-assessed oral health. The multivariate analysis revealed lower SOC scores among non-white individuals [Mean Ratio (MR)=0.94; 95% CI: 0.91-0.97; P<.001], with poor/very poor self-assessed oral health (MR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.91; P<.001) and with one or more teeth present in the oral cavity (MR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.91-0.97; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

The present results show that older adults who are self-reported as non-white, with one or more teeth in the oral cavity and with poor/very poor self-assessed oral health have lower SOC scores.

Correlation of sense of coherence with oral health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and periodontal status

INTRODUCTION

The sense of coherence (SOC) has been suggested to be highly applicable concept in the public health area because a strong SOC is stated to decrease the likelihood of perceiving the social environment as stressful. This reduces the susceptibility to the health-damaging effect of chronic stress by lowering the likelihood of repeated negative emotions to stress perception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The demographic data and general information of subjects' oral health behaviors such as frequency of cleaning teeth, aids used to clean teeth, and dental attendance were recorded in the self-administered questionnaire. The SOC-related data were obtained using the short version of Antonovsky's SOC scale. The periodontal status was recorded based on the modified World Health Organization 1997 pro forma.

RESULTS

The total of 780 respondents comprising 269 (34.5%) males and 511 (65.5%) females participated in the study. A significant difference was noted among the subjects for socioeconomic status based on gender (P = 0.000). The healthy periodontal status (community periodontal index [CPI] code 0) was observed for 67 (24.9%) males and 118 (23.1%) females. The overall SOC showed statistically negative correlation with socioeconomic status scale (r = -0.287). The CPI and loss of attachment (periodontal status) were significantly and negatively correlated with SOC.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that a high level of SOC was associated with good oral health behaviors, periodontal status, and socioeconomic status.

Sense of coherence and periodontal health outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Sense of Coherence (SOC) has been associated with perceived oral health measures, but the contribution of SOC to clinical measures is still unclear. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the potential association between periodontal health outcomes, such as periodontal clinical parameters and perceived periodontal health, and SOC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study sample comprised 276 individuals, aged 18-60 years, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Participants answered questionnaires covering sociodemographic variables, self-perceived periodontal health and SOC. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed. The sample was divided into three groups according to SOC score: (a) SOC1 = weak (24-46); (b) SOC2 = moderate (47-51); (c) SOC3 = strong (52-65). Multivariate analyses including appropriate logistic or linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association between periodontal health outcomes and biological, sociodemographic and behavioural variables.

RESULTS

Perceived general oral health was associated with family income bracket (p = 0.010), smoking (p = 0.004), dental flossing (p = 0.017) and SOC (weak SOC: p = 0.005). Perceived gum disease and perceived periodontal disease were associated with SOC (weak SOC: p = 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, perceived periodontal health outcomes were associated with SOC. However, no association between clinical periodontal health outcomes and SOC were observed.

Self-reported oral health and associated factors in the North Finland 1966 birth cohort at the age of 31

Background

The Northern Finland 1966 birth cohort (NFBC 1966) is an epidemiological study where the participants have been controlled since pregnancy both in field tests and using questionnaires. This study aimed to evaluate cross-sectionally the association of self-reported oral symptoms (dental caries and bleeding of gums) with sociodemographic and health behavior factors among the subjects.

Methods

Of the 11,541 original members of the cohort, 8,690 (75%) responded to the questionnaire on oral health (dental decay, gingival bleeding and self-estimated dental treatment need) and sociodemographic factors, general health and health behavior. Cross-tabulation and chi-squared tests as well as multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between the outcome and explanatory variables.

Results

The study group was equally distributed between the genders. One third of the subjects reported having dental decay, one fourth gingival bleeding and a half a dental treatment need. As compared to women, men reported significantly more frequently symptoms (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed low tooth brushing frequency increasing the odds most for all oral symptoms ((OR 1.57 (1.39–1.78) for dental decay, 1.94 (1.68-2.24) for gingival bleeding and 1.42 (1.26-1.61) for dental treatment need). Frequent smoking was associated with dental decay (OR 1.63 (1.44–1.84)) and treatment need OR (1.39 (1.23–1.56)), whereas poor general health (OR 1.71 (1.48–1.96)) and high BMI (OR 1.19 (1.03–1.36)) both were associated with gingival bleeding.

Conclusions

Males with single marital status, BMI over 25, poor general health and poor oral health behaviors are at risk for self-reported poor oral health and dental treatment need.

Relationship between children's oral health-related behaviors and their caregiver's sense of coherence

Background

Sense of coherence (SOC) is hypothesized to be an important psychological factor that enables people to cope with stressors and successfully maintain and improve health. Mother’s SOC has been shown to be an important psychological factor associated with oral health and oral health-related behaviors of adolescents and 11- to 12-year-old children. However, little is known about the relationship between the caregiver’s SOC and oral health-related behaviors of the preschool children. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health-related behaviors of 5-year-old children in Southern China and SOC of their caregiver.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a randomized sample of 1332 children aged 5 years and their caregivers in Guangzhou, Southern China. Data were collected through questionnaires completed by the caregivers. The Chinese short version of Antonovsky’s SOC scale (13 items) was employed to assess the caregiver’s SOC. The outcome variables were the child’s oral health-related behaviors, including frequency of sugary snack intake, toothbrushing frequency, utilization of dental service, and pattern of dental visits. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the variables.

Results

No association was found between the children’s sugary snack intake and the mother’s or the father’s SOC. After adjustment for other significant factors related to the child’s oral health-related behaviors, 8.9% of the children whose grandparents (as caregivers) had higher SOC scores had a lower frequency of sugary snack intake, compared with the children whose grandparents had lower SOC scores (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.50–0.73, p = 0.008). The other measures of oral health-related behaviors of the child were not significantly associated with the caregiver’s SOC.

Conclusion

Sugary snack intake behavior of the 5-year-old children was not associated with the mother’s or the father’s SOC. It was associated with the SOC of their grandparents, who are a small group of the caregivers in China.

Relação entre senso de coerência materno, condições socioeconômicas e percepção da saúde bucal

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a relação entre o senso de coerência materno das mães de pré-escolares e as variáveis idade, renda, escolaridade, trabalho, moradia e percepção da saúde bucal. Seiscentas e quarenta mães de pré-escolares do nível III (4 e 5 anos de idade) do município de Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul) responderam a dois questionários, um para a caracterização socioeconômica e percepção da saúde bucal materna e outro para mensurar o senso de coerência materno. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística por meio do programa Bio Estat, versão 5.0. Para a comparação dos escores do senso de coerência materno foi utilizado o Teste Mann Whitney, ao nível de significância de 5%. Houve associação entre menores valores do senso de coerência materno e condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis, assim como, em situação de stress, as mães apresentaram uma visão pessimista em relação à própria saúde bucal. Portanto, o senso de coerência materno tem fortes características psicológicas e pode ser um determinante de saúde bucal.

Factor structure of health and oral health-related behaviors among adolescents in Arusha, northern Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of health and oral health-related behaviors and it's invariance across gender and to identify factors associated with behavioral patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study included 2412 students attending 20 secondary schools in Arusha. Self-administered questionnaires were completed at school.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis of seven single health and oral health-related behaviors (tooth brushing, hand wash after latrine, hand wash before eating, using soap, intake of sugared mineral water, intake of fast foods and intake of sweets) suggested two factors labeled hygiene behavior and snacking. Confirmatory factor analyses, CFA, provided acceptable fit for the hypothesized two-factor model; CFI = 0.97. Multiple group CFA across gender showed no statistically significant difference in fit between unconstrained and constrained models (p = 0.203). Logistic regression revealed ORs for hygiene behaviors of 1.5, 0.5, 1.5, 1.5 and 0.6 if being a girl, current smoker, reporting good relationship with school, access to hygiene facilities and bad life satisfaction, respectively. ORs for snacking were 1.3, 1.4, 0.4 and 0.5 if female, in the least poor household quartile, low family socio-economic status and high perceived control, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The two factors suggest that behaviors within each might be approached jointly in health promoting programs. A positive relationship with school and access to hygiene facilities might play a role in health promotion. Provision of healthy snacks and improved perceived behavioral control regarding sugar avoidance might restrict snacking during school hours.

Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children

BACKGROUND

Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children.

METHODS

 Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI).

RESULTS

Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P<0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P<0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P<0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health.

CONCLUSIONS

Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.