Caries experience in 14-year-olds from Northeast Italy. Is socioeconomic-Status (SES) still a risk factor?

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Prevalence and severity of dental caries in 14-year-olds of Northeast Italy were estimated, evaluating the
dependence to SES.

Methods

An epidemiological survey was performed among a randomised cluster
sample of 560 (290 M and 270 F) 14-year-olds attending secondary schools, to evaluate DMFS following WHO indications.
Association between caries occurrence and SES was evaluated in a logistic regression model. To account for high
proportion of zero scores (DMFS and DS distribution highly positively skewed) data was moreover modelled with negative
binomial regression and zero-inflated models.

Results

Caries prevalence was 63.4 with a mean DMFS of
3.03.8. A significant trend between means was observed regarding DS in the different SES levels: z 2.22 p
0.03 (occupational level) and z 3.45 p<0.01 when SES was based on educational level. The Negative Binomial Regression model resulted more appropriate than the Poisson model because the dispersion parameter was significantly different from zero (alpha1.5, 95 CI1.3-1.8). Working class status showed significant association with DMFS (p0.04) while using DS as dependent variable, working class subjects and subjects with medium-low and low educational level, showed a statistically significant association.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic status
is still a predictor for dental decay in the Italian 14-year-olds.

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