Structural equation modelling for associated factors with dental caries among 3–5-year-old children: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The aim of the current study was to explore the factors influencing dental caries among 3–5-year-old children in Sichuan Province and the interrelationship between these factors using structural equation modelling (SEM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2746 3–5-year-old children in Sichuan Province. Examination of caries was conducted on all children and a questionnaire was answered by the children’s caregiver. SEM alternative models were constructed to interpret the intricate relationships between socio-economic status (SES), caregiver’s oral health knowledge, attitudes, children’s oral health behaviours and children’s dental caries. Result The results showed that dental caries were significantly associated with dietary behaviours (β = 0.11, SE = 0.03, P = 0.001, BC 95% CI =0.05/0.18) and SES (β = − 0.17, SE = 0.03, P <0.001, BC 95% CI = -0.23/− 0.10) directly, While the indirect effect of SES on dmft is in an opposite direction (β = 0.08, SE = 0.02, BC 95% CI = 0.04/0.12). Conclusion We found that unhealthy dietary behaviours increased the prevalence of dental caries. However, oral health knowledge and attitude failed to affect dietary behaviour in this model. This result warns that oral health education should strengthen feeding-related knowledge. Meanwhile, it also reminds that it is easier known than done. Future oral health education should focus on exploring a more effective way for the public to turn knowledge into action.

Gingival bleeding and calculus among 12-year-old Chinese adolescents: a multilevel analysis

“…This cross-sectional study was a part of the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in China [27][28][29]. It was a school-based survey conducted from 07/01/2015 to 09/ 17/2016.…”

“…Sichuan Province is located in western China and represents one of the largest provinces with regard to area and population [27,28]. A complex, multi-stage sampling design [27][28][29] was used to select participants who were representative of the province's population. In the first stage, six regions (Guang'an District, Chuanshan District, Jinniu District, Da County, Yibin County and Pi County) were obtained from 181 regions with probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) method ( Fig.…”

A cross sectional study of Mexican caregiver social status, dental knowledge, self‐efficacy, and caregiver/child oral health. A structural equation model

“…Children with caregivers who possess positive health‐oriented attitudes had better oral hygiene practices and oral health . One Chinese study found a significant relationship between parental knowledge and attitudes and a family's dietary patterns . Children from socially deprived families had more dental decay than those from families of higher social status .…”

Structural equation modelling of the complex relationship between toothache and its associated factors among Indonesian children

“…To explore the factors associated with toothache, we proposed an alternative model of the multifaceted relationship of parent education, residential area, socio-economic status (SES), parent awareness regarding children’s health conditions and food consumption frequency, and tooth brushing behaviour/frequency with the outcome (toothache) based on previous theoretical frameworks for dental caries 17 – 19 . Thus, we determined the direct and indirect relationships between toothache and its associated factors.…”

“…Thus, we determined the direct and indirect relationships between toothache and its associated factors. We assumed that parent awareness regarding children's health conditions and food consumption frequency 17 and tooth brushing behaviour/frequency 20 were the predictors of toothache. These factors were affected by SES 17,20 .…”