Despite of recent overall improvements in oral health, oral diseases remain a significant public health problem in the US. To effectively achieve sustained and meaningful improvements, future interventions need to tackle the fundamental causes of oral diseases. Current biomedical and individualistic behavorial approaches fail to explain the underlying determinants of oral diseases. Based upon the Marmot Social Determinants Model of Health, this proposal aims to develop and test a new conceptual model for oral health. Secondary data analysis will be performed using data from NHANES (1999-2004) and other US population surveys. Clinical and subjective measures of oral health will be used, including counts of decayed teeth, tooth loss, periodontal disease, dental injuries, self-rated oral health and oral health related quality of life measures. Oral health related behaviours will include sugar consumption, dental attendance, smoking, alcohol, and tooth cleanliness. Regression analysis will be conducted to examine the relationship between health behaviours and oral health on the one hand and psychosocial, community and environmental factors on the other. Finally, the relationship between the clustered behaviors with oral health, and the psychosocial, community and environmental factors will be examined. Advanced multi-level analyses will be undertaken in addition to the regression models. This novel and innovative study will provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of oral diseases in the US population.

Public Health Relevance

Current biomedical and behavioral approaches fail to fully explain the underlying determinants of oral diseases. More innovative and novel conceptual models are needed to explain the mechanisms by which the various determinants of oral health interact with each other to influence oral health outcomes. This study aims to develop and test a social determinants conceptual model of oral health. The findings will provide valuable insights into the fundamental causes of oral diseases in the US population.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21DE019535-02
Application #
7900569
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDE1-MH (14))
Program Officer
Clark, David
Project Start
2009-09-01
Project End
2012-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-01
Budget End
2012-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$125,903
Indirect Cost
Name
University College London
Department
Type
DUNS #
225410919
City
London
State
Country
United Kingdom
Zip Code
WC1 -6BT
Watt, Richard G; Heilmann, Anja; Sabbah, Wael et al. (2014) Social relationships and health related behaviors among older US adults. BMC Public Health 14:533
Tsakos, Georgios; Sabbah, Wael; Chandola, Tarani et al. (2013) Social relationships and oral health among adults aged 60 years or older. Psychosom Med 75:178-86
Sabbah, Wael; Tsakos, Georgios; Chandola, Tarani et al. (2011) The relationship between social network, social support and periodontal disease among older Americans. J Clin Periodontol 38:547-52