Socioeconomic Disparities in Oral Health Practices: Insights From a Cohort Study in Southwestern Iran

Zahra  Rahimi; Saeed Bagheri  Faradonbeh; Ahmad  Tahmasebi-Ghorrabi; Hojat Allah  Yosefimanesh; Amin  Torabipour

doi:10.18502/htaa.v10i1.21562

Zahra Rahimi Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Saeed Bagheri Faradonbeh Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Ahmad Tahmasebi-Ghorrabi Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Hojat Allah Yosefimanesh Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Amin Torabipour Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v10i1.21562

Keywords: Socioeconomic status, Oral health behaviors, Concentration index, Decomposition C

Abstract

Introduction: Iran faces a high burden of oral disease loads, including decay, gum issues, and loss, prevalent across all age groups.The present investigation explored disparities related to socioeconomic factors in oral health practices among adults aged 35–70years from the Hoveyzeh cohort in Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was conducted within a population framework and included 10,009 individuals fromthe Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS). Information was gathered on demographic characteristics, economic status, and oral healthroutines. In addition, living conditions were evaluated using a wealth index derived from household possessions, with favorableoral health defined as tooth brushing at least twice a day. Moreover, inequality in socioeconomic terms was quantified throughthe concentration index (CI), while a decomposition method pinpointed underlying elements. Finally, the statistical analysis wasconducted using Stata 14.

Results: Participants averaged 48.76 years in age, comprising 59.78% females and 87.52% married. Urban dwellers predominatedat 70%, with 20.87% and 1.97% reporting tobacco use and alcohol intake, respectively. Favorable oral health practices remainedscarce, as merely 12.87% engaged in recommended routines, 4.87% utilized rinses, and 2.73% employed floss. The CI of 0.180signaled superior practices among affluent groups. The key drivers of disparity included economic position (42.9%), living location(27.6%), schooling attainment (38.16%), and chronological age (4.50%).

Conclusion: The findings underscore suboptimal oral health routines, notably in less privileged strata, advocating for strengthenedinitiatives in prevention and learning to elevate outcomes in deprived zones.