Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Socio-economic Position in Relation to Untreated Oral Conditions - A Comparative Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether gender, religion, and socio-economic position (SEP) intersect to structure social inequalities in oral health among adults in Hyderabad. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic details and SEP (based on poverty income ratio) were obtained. Clinical oral examination was assessed for untreated dental caries, bleeding gums, periodontal status, loss of attachment, and edentulism using WHO proforma 2013 among 264 study participants. RESULTS: Clear inequalities in the four oral conditions were observed according to SEP. The odds of having each oral condition were lower among higher SEP groups. By Religion, Christians have 2.3 times higher odds of having untreated caries. Christians and Muslims have higher odds ( P = 0.02) for bleeding gums compared to Hindus. In addition to that, males showed lower odds of having bleeding gums than their female counterparts. Finally, oral conditions were more prevalent in older age groups compared to younger age group participants. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that there is an acceptable intersection between demographic characteristics in predicting the untreated oral health condition.
Authors: Twinkle Tiwari, Jagadeeswara Rao Sukhabogi, Dolar Doshi, Vijayalakshmi Deshpande, Preethi Lunavath
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $150
OpenAlex ID: W4414529269