The maternal socioeconomic status and the caries experience among 2-6 years old preschool children of lucknow city, India.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the maternal socioeconomic status and the caries experience among 2-6 years old preschool children of Lucknow city, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 512 preschool going children were selected through a multistage cluster random sampling. Their mothers provided information regarding their demographic data. Their socioeconomic statuses were elicited by using the modified B.G.L. Prasad's classification for the year 2010. Their mothers' education, occupations and incomes were also recorded. The dental caries experience was recorded by using the dentition status and the treatment needs (WHO Basic Oral Health Survey 1997). The association between the socioeconomic status and the caries experience was obtained by using the Chi - square test. One way ANOVA was used for the multiple group comparisons. RESULTS: The prevalence of nursing caries was 33.01%. The association between the presence of nursing caries and a lower status of the mother's education and occupation and socioeconomic position proved to be statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Instilling positive attitudes in the parents, especially in the mothers, towards the prevention of nursing caries, would reduce its prevalence at this tender age of life.