Socioeconomic condition and dietary habits in relation to oral health in 12-year-old children from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina

Introduction: Living conditions and socioeconomic status are the significant determinants of oral health. The research goal was to analyze the dietary habits of 12-year-old children in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina. Another goal was to investigate the differences in food cariogenicity of children living under different socioeconomic conditions and to determine their relationship with the oral health. Materials and methods: The sample included 109 children, classified in groups of high, average and low socioeconomic status. Based on the survey and examination, data on nutrition and caries experience (DMFT index) were obtained. Results: There was a difference in dietary habits between children living under different conditions. Children of high socioeconomic status (SES) had a more favorable number of daily meals comparing to children of low socioeconomic status. The average DMFT index, as a measure of caries experience of 12-year-old children amounted 4.8(±3.2). Children of high socioeconomic status had significantly lower caries experience than those from average and low statuses (high SES DMFT 3,60±2,84SD vs. middle SES DMFT 5,28±3,83SD and low SES DMFT 5,47±2,53SD; p<0.05). Corresponding Author: Amila Zukanović Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry School of Dental Medicine, University of Sarajevo Bolnička 4, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina e-mail: amila.zukanovic@hotmail.com Socioeconomic condition and dietary habits in relation to oral health in 12-year-old children from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina