SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN ORAL HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOURS AMONG THAI ADULTS DURING THE HEALTH SYSTEM IN TRANSITION

Abstract

Background: Smoking, alcoholic consumption, sugary dietary habits associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In addition, dental care utilization is one of the vital components for achieving optimal oral health. Objective: this study aimed to assess oral health related behaviors among Thai adults and to determine its association with social determinants. Materials and Methods: This study employed the data from Thai Health and Welfare Survey(HWS) of Thai adults aged 20-59 years covering the years(N) 2003(27,554), 2005(22,310), 2006(23,844), 2009(21,976) and 2013(19,899). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were employed to determine the association between oral health-related behaviors and social determinants. Results: Over the period of assessment, the proportion of current smokers is slightly dropped. The prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption among male is slightly changed with increasing trend among female drinkers. Trend of sweetened beverage and snack/confectionary consumption is slightly decreased particular among the high frequency intake groups. Moreover, socioeconomic inequalities in aforementioned habits among Thai adults existed, the gradient of current smokers concentrated among the less-well off compared to their counterparts and regular alcoholic drinkers were more concentrated among the lower socio-economic status groups (SES) with increasing trends. By contrast, high frequency consumption of sweetened beverage and snack/confectionary groups revealed reverse gradients as these habits were more common among those of higher SES hierarchy with decreasing tendency. Likewise, dental care utilization tended to favour the more affluent residents. Certain Human Achievement Index, socioeconomic, geographic and demographic characteristics were associated with such inequalities. Conclusion: Despite implementation of extensive control measures together with the universal coverage policy in Thailand, socioeconomic inequalities in oral health-related behaviors exist among the Thai adults. These findings may be helpful in reorientation control policies by incorporate a more optimistic approach and strengthening the primary health-care system aim to provide more effective benefits for the entire population.