Effect of life-course family income trajectories on periodontitis: birth cohort study

Abstract

Aims: To quantify the impact of life course income trajectories on periodontitis in adulthood. Materials and Methods: Data from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil, were used. Information on family income was collected at birth and ages 15, 19, 23 and 30 years. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify income trajectories. Periodontal measures were assessed through clinical examination at age 31. Log-Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of any and moderate/severe periodontitis, as outcomes. Results: Prevalence of any periodontitis and moderate/severe periodontitis was 37.3% and 14.3% (n = 539). Income trajectories were associated with prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis. Adjusted PR in participants in low and variable income trajectory was 2.1 times higher than in participants in stable high-income trajectory. The unadjusted association between income trajectories and prevalence of any periodontitis was explained by the inclusion of behavioural and clinical variables in the model. Conclusions: Low and variable life course income increased the prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis at age 31 years. The findings may inform programmes in identifying and targeting potentially at-risk groups during the life course to prevent periodontitis.