ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATED WITH SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, SOCIAL CAPITAL AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: A STUDY IN GRADE 6 PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN IN SAKAEO PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the associations of school environments with children’s oral behaviours and diseases. Second, to assess the hierarchical relationships of children’s school performance with Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), school absence, oral status, socioeconomic status and social capital. Data on 925 sixth-grade children in Sakaeo province, Thailand were collected through interview, oral examination, OHRQoL interview using the Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performance index, parental questionnaire and school records. Chi-square test, logistic and linear regression models were applied. Provision of fruit with meals associated with low sweets consumption and low caries. Selling sweetened beverages associated with high caries, while selling meat and crispy packed snacks associated with low caries. Children in schools with oral education were more likely to brush twice a day and to brush after lunch. Children with high caries were more likely to have Condition-Specific (CS) impacts attributed to caries. High DMFT score was related to lower school performance, whereas high OHI-S score was not. Significant association between DMFT score and school performance became non-significant when CS impacts attributed to caries and school absence were applied. In conclusion, school food environments were associated with sweets consumption and caries. Children in schools with oral education had better brushing habits, but not lower sweets consumption nor caries. Dental caries was associated with CS impacts, and exerted its effect on school performance through CS impacts and school absence.