Correlation of Socioeconomic Status and Dental Caries
Author(s): Jagadheeswari Ramamoorthy and Mahalakshmi J*
Abstract
Aim: To study the correlation between socioeconomic status and Dental caries. Background: Dental caries is a global public health problem and influences the overall health of children. The risk factors for caries include biological, socio-behavioural and economic factors. Indicators of socioeconomic status are found to be associated with risk factors for dental caries. Materials and methods: The data of patients visiting OP such as Age, Gender, Caries status and socioeconomic status was collected from DIAS. The data was tabulated in Excel and imported to SPSS version 23.0 for statistical analysis. The statistical tests used were Chi square and correlation analysis. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the low income group, 21.9% had no initial active lesions, 6.63% had initial active lesions only and 5.48% had moderate or extensive lesions. Among the middle income group, 8.93% had no initial active lesions, 39.19% had initial active lesions only and 10.37% had moderate or extensive lesions. Among the high income group, 2.88% had no initial active lesions, 3.46% had initial active lesions only and 1.15% had moderate or extensive lesions. There was no significant association between socioeconomic status and the caries status of the patients Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, we conclude that there was no significant association between socioeconomic status and the caries status of the patients.