Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health among adults in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the socioeconomic distribution of perceived oral health among adults in Tehran, Iran. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional population study. PARTICIPANTS: A stratified random sample of 1,100 adults aged 18-84 years living in Tehran. METHODS: Self-report data were obtained from the 2010 dental telephone interview survey. Oral health was evaluated using self-assessed non-replaced extracted teeth (NRET), and a three-item perceived dental health instrument. Socioeconomic status was measured by combining the variables of education and assets using principal component analysis. Inequalities in oral health were examined using prevalence ratios and concentration index. RESULTS: The poorest quintile was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.30; 1.98) times as likely to have any NRET compared with the richest quintile, indicating a disparity. Inequality was most pronounced in the 35-59 age group with prevalence ratio 2.01 (95% CI 1.26; 3.05). The concentration index of NRET in adults in Tehran was -0.22 (95% CI -0.28; -0.16). No significant differences were found in perceived dental health between socioeconomic classes. CONCLUSIONS: Adults from lower socioeconomic classes experienced more disabilities due to missing their teeth, specifically in the middle-age group. Inequalities in perceived dental health were not apparent in the studied population.