Do Social Determinants Influence Parents Health Behaviour and Oral Health Status in Children:A Descriptive Study

Context: Addressing the rising oral disease burden globally necessitates the need for oral health promotion with consideration of factors at grass ischolar_main level.

Aims: The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of social determinants on the oral health of children aged 12 and 15 years in Bangalore.

Settings and Design: A cross–sectional study was conducted among 432 School children aged 12 and 15 years.

Method and Materials: Children were administered the questionnaire on social determinants of health and were instructed to get it filled by their parents. Oral health examination was conducted using DMFT index.

Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and Inferential statistics like Bivariate analysis determined the association of social determinants and health Outcomes.

Results: The bivariate analysis revealed that Family Strength, Mother’s education and Father’s occupation was significantly associated with the Oral Disease prevalenceamong children as perceived by parents. On clinical examination the mean DMFT score of children was 1.17+1.689 and was significantly associated with the monthly family income (p=0.031).

Conclusions: Social determinants influence the various aspects of oral health care in children. This necessitates the need for inter-sectoral measures to be implemented taking into account the social determinants at upstream and downstream levels initiating effective oral health promotion.