Association between social determinants of health and periodontitis: a population-based study

Background The association between socioeconomic status and periodontitis is intricate. This research examines how social determinants of health relate to periodontitis in U.S. adults, an area that has not been thoroughly studied. Methods This study utilized data from the 2009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). During each survey cycle, data on self-reported Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) were collected, encompassing employment, family income, food security, education, healthcare access, health insurance, housing instability, and marital status (married or cohabiting). Periodontitis was classified based on Eke's 2012 criteria. The relationship between SDoH and periodontitis was examined using multivariable logistic regression models. Results This study involved 10,714 participants (mean age 52.01 +/- 14.30 years), with 49.37% male and 50.63% female. The average SDoH score was 2.64 +/- 2.00, and the prevalence of periodontitis was 46.60%. The fully adjusted logistic regression model revealed a positive association between SDoH and periodontitis (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.24-1.32, P < 0.001). Conclusions Adverse social determinants of health are associated with an increased risk of periodontitis among US adults.