Abstract
This study aimed to investigate associations between psychosocial factors, obesity, and oral health in a study population of 10- to 18-year-old adolescents who participated in the LIFE Child study. Psychosocial information (socioeconomic status (SES) based on parents’ education, occupation and household income, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), health-related quality of life) and physical activity behavior were obtained. Nutritional status was classified based on age- and sex-adjusted body mass index into underweight, overweight, normal weight and obese. Clinical dental examinations were performed and scored with respect to caries experience (CE), oral hygiene (OH), and periodontal status (periodontal health score: PERIO-S). Age-adjusted regression analysis under the assumption of a double Poisson distribution was performed with and without adjusting for SES (α = 5%). A total of 1158 study participants (590 girls, 568 boys; mean age 13.2 ± 2.3 years) were included (17.2% were classified as obese). CE was 20% higher for moderate and 60% higher for low SES compared to high SES (p < 0.05). PERIO-S was 10% higher for moderate and 30% higher for low compared to high SES (p < 0.05). Poor OH was associated with higher CE (Ratio R = 2.3, p < 0.0001) and PERIO-S (R = 3.1, p < 0.0001). Physical activity in a sports club was associated with lower CE-S and PERIO-S (R = 0.85, p < 0.001). Obesity was associated with increased CE (R = 1.3, p < 0.001) compared to normal weight. For low but not high SES, more reported difficulties were associated with higher CE. In conclusion, low SES, poor OH, and obesity are associated with unfavorable oral health conditions, whereas physical activity and high SES are potentially protective.
Highlights
The results of this study, which aimed at investigating associations between oral health status and obesity as well as psychosocial factors and physical activity in a large study cohort of 10-to-18-year-old German adolescents, reveal a significant association between socioeconomic status (SES) and caries experience score (CE-S) as well as periodon
The results of this study, which aimed at investigating associations between oral health status and obesity as well as psychosocial factors and physical activity in a large study cohort of 10-to-18-year-old German adolescents, reveal a significant association between socioeconomic status (SES) and caries experience score (CE-S) as well as periodontal health score (PERIO-S)
An unfavorable total difficulties score in the self-reported strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) was a determinant for CE-S, but only in the case of low SES
Summary
Dental caries of permanent teeth is among the most common ailments worldwide [1]. When it comes to “oral health”, periodontal diseases must be considered, which rank just a few places behind dental caries in the Global Burden of Diseases Study [1]. Gingivitis [2], and periodontitis occur in children and adolescents, who represent a population of particular importance, especially with regard to preventive measures. Research aims to identify risk factors characterizing unfavorable oral health conditions in adolescents, in order to develop better prevention strategies and deploy them in a targeted way [3]. Lifestyle habits have been shown to play an essential
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