Decomposing socioeconomic inequality in dental caries in Iran: cross-sectional results from the PERSIAN cohort study

Abstract

Background: The current study aimed to measure and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index among adults in Iran. Methods: The study data were extracted from the adult component of Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) from 17 centers in 14 different provinces of Iran. DMFT score was used as a measure of dental caries among adults in Iran. The concentration curve and relative concentration index (RC) was used to quantify and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in DMFT. Results: A total of 128,813 adults aged 35 and older were included in the study. The mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) score of D, M, F and DMFT of the adults was 3.3 (4.6), 12.6 (10.5), 2.1 (3.4) and 18.0 (9.5), respectively. The findings suggested that DMFT was mainly concentrated among the socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (RC = − 0.064; 95% confidence interval [CI), − 0.066 to − 0.063). Socioeconomic status, being male, older age and being a widow or divorced were identified as the main factors contributing to the concentration of DMFT among the worse-off adults. Conclusions: It is recommended to focus on the dental caries status of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in order to reduce socioeconomic-related inequality in oral health among Iranian adults. Reducing socioeconomicrelated inequalities in dental caries should be accompanied by appropriate health promotion policies that focus actions on the fundamental socioeconomic causes of dental disease.

Socio‐economic inequality in reported dental self‐care behaviour among Iranian households: A national pooled study

“…Other studies in Iran on the individuals’ behavioural compliance with dental prevention practice and utilization from dental services showed similar results in line with our study findings 25,38‐40 . However, another study showed a pro‐poor inequality in dental caries that is highly associated with poor dental self‐care 41,42 …”

“…25,[38][39][40] However, another study showed a pro-poor inequality in dental caries that is highly associated with poor dental self-care. 41,42 As our previous expectation, the most influential factor in explaining the inequality of the DSS was SES. Decomposition of the inequality contributors showed there was a pro-rich gradient in the use of toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.…”

Oral self-care behavior and its influencing factors in a sample of school children from Central Iran

“…Oral health is an important part of public health, in that, it has a major impact on the quality of life, well-being and the overall health of children [1,2]. A healthy mouth enables a person to eat, talk, communicate better, and socialize [3].…”

Correction: Decomposing socioeconomic inequality in dental caries in Iran: cross-sectional results from the PERSIAN cohort study

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], the authors reported an error of the ethical code in the Ethics approval and consent to participate section.…”

“…Correction to: Archives of Public Health 78, 75 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-020-00457-4 Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error of the ethical code in the Ethics approval and consent to participate section.…”