Socioeconomic disadvantage across the life-course and oral health in older age: findings from a longitudinal study of older British men
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The influence of life-course socioeconomic disadvantage on oral health at older ages is not well-established. We examined the influence of socioeconomic factors in childhood, middle-age and older age on oral health at older ages, and tested conceptual life-course models (sensitive period, accumulation of risk, social mobility) to determine which best described observed associations. Methods: A representative cohort of British men aged 71-92 in 2010-12 included socioeconomic factors in childhood, middle-age and older age. Oral health assessment at 71-92 years (n = 1622) included tooth count, periodontal disease and self-rated oral health (excellent/good, fair/poor) (n = 2147). Life-course models (adjusted for age and town of residence) were compared with a saturated model using Likelihood-ratio tests. Results: Socioeconomic disadvantage in childhood, middle-age and older age was associated with complete tooth loss at 71-92 years-age and town adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 1.39 (1.02-1.90), 2.26 (1.70-3.01), 1.83 (1.35-2.49), respectively. Socioeconomic disadvantage in childhood and middle-age was associated with poor self-rated oral health; adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 1.48 (1.19-1.85) and 1.45 (1.18-1.78), respectively. A sensitive period for socioeconomic disadvantage in middle-age provided the best model fit for tooth loss, while accumulation of risk model was the strongest for poor self-rated oral health. None of the life-course models were significant for periodontal disease measures. Conclusion: Socioeconomic disadvantage in middle-age has a particularly strong influence on tooth loss in older age. Poor self-rated oral health in older age is influenced by socioeconomic disadvantage across the life-course. Addressing socioeconomic factors in middle and older ages are likely to be important for better oral health in later life.
Source: Journal of Public Health
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: RENEWAL: British Regional Heart Study: a prospective investigation of the aetiology and prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure among older British men, Pathways to prevention and prediction of cardiovascular disease and associated disability in older men: the British Regional Heart Study, British Regional Heart Study (BRHS): a long-term prospective investigation of cardiovascular disease (causes, pathways, prediction and prevention) among older British men (renewal), NIHR Senior Investigator Award, G7166013172, G8061536023
OpenAlex ID: W2799886114