Effect of Family Income on the Relationship Between Parental Education and Sealant Prevalence, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010

Abstract

IntroductionWe examined the association between sealant prevalence and parental education for different levels of family income, controlling for other covariates.MethodsWe combined data from 2005–2006, 2007–2008, and 2009–2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study sample was 7,090 participants aged 6 to 19 years. Explanatory variables, chosen on the basis of Andersen and Aday’s framework of health care utilization, were predisposing variables — child’s age, sex, race/ethnicity, and parental education (<high school diploma; high school diploma; >high school diploma); enabling variables — family income (<100% of the federal poverty level [FPL]; 100%–200% of the FPL; and >200% of the FPL), health insurance status, and regular source of medical care; and a need variable — future need for care (perceived child health status is excellent/very good, good, fair/poor). We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses and included a term for interaction between education and income in the multivariate model. We report significant findings (P ≤ .05).ResultsSealant prevalence was associated with all explanatory variables in bivariate and multivariate analyses. In bivariate analyses, higher parental education and family income were independently associated with higher sealant prevalence. In the multivariate analysis, higher parental education was associated with sealant prevalence among higher income children, but not among low-income children (<100% FPL). Sealant prevalence was higher among children with parental education greater than a high school diploma versus less than a high school diploma in families with income ≥100% FPL.ConclusionOur findings suggest that income modifies the association of parental education on sealant prevalence. Recognition of this relationship may be important for health promotion efforts.

Changes in oral health indicators due to implementation of the National Health Insurance Services coverage for first molar dental sealant for children and adolescents in South Korea

“…In this study, we found a significant difference in sealant retention according to the mother's education level and household income. Similar past studies have reported that higher household income is associated with a higher sealant retention rate [26]. For beneficiaries, the mother's education level demonstrated statistical significance in both Models 1 and 2, in which the covariates were adjusted.…”

Changes in Oral Health Indicators due to Implementation of the National Health Insurance Services Coverage for First Molar Dental Sealant for Children and Adolescents in South Korea

“…In this study, we found a signi cant difference in sealant retention according to the mother's education level and household income. Similar past studies have reported that higher household income is associated with a higher sealant retention rate [26]. For bene ciaries, the mother's education level demonstrated statistical signi cance in both Models 1 and 2, in which the covariates were adjusted.…”

School-Based Dental Sealant Programs Prevent Cavities And Are Cost-Effective

“…Studies indicate that low sealant prevalence is associated with low health literacy 40 or low parental education, a predictor of health literacy. 41 Policies aimed at increasing oral health literacy among low-income caregivers could increase the number of high-risk children receiving sealants. School staff and teachers, who can also influence children’s participation in sealant programs, may also be unaware of the benefits of sealants.…”