A time-series analysis of caries status among adolescents in relation to socioeconomic variables in Göteborg, Sweden

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect, using time-series analysis methods, whether measurable socioeconomic adjustments for the time period 1986-96, as presented by caries index values, could be related to a new trend in caries status development for specific age groups leaving the free state-organized dental care system. In the study, Göteborg was divided into four districts. The study showed a favorable development in dental health for the 15-19 age group. However, the caries incidence index DSa (decayed approximal surfaces) values showed no or only negligible signs of lower mean values. During the study period, the study showed an unfavorable trend concerning the socioeconomic variables related to health care. However, the incongruity for the different districts between the trend results of the caries index values and the contemporaneous socioeconomic variable development indicated few signs of relationship. In relation to general discussions of environmental questions, the idea of sustainable development was discussed when applied to the field of dental care. The results of this study indicate that dental health, in times of major economic adjustments and lack of resources for health care for the 15-19 age group in Göteborg - as interpreted by the caries indices used - is an example of sustainable dental health development.