Method: An analysis of the baseline data from Teeth Tales, a community-based exploratory health promotion intervention trial. The target population were families from Iraqi, Lebanese and Pakistani backgrounds residing in metropolitan Melbourne with children aged 1-4 years. Caries was measured using ICDAS II and reported as d1mfs which included both non-cavitated and cavitated lesions. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic-economic status and oral health related knowledge and behaviours. Partially and fully adjusted odds of experiencing dental caries were computed using multivariable logistic regression. Data were analysed using STATA 12.1.
Result: The final analysis sample included 630 children within 481 families. Mean age of children was 3 years (SD=1.09). For 82% of children the respondent was the mother. The mean age of the parent was 33 years (SD=6.22). The distribution of children by cultural group was 37% Iraqi, 29% Lebanese and 34% Pakistani. Child caries prevalence was 34%, the mean d1mfs was 1.90 (SD=4.63) and the median d1mfs score was 0 (IQR=0-2). In the bivariable analysis of child oral health behaviours by ethnicity, several significant associations were observed. In the fully adjusted regression model parent’s length of stay in Australia, the frequency of consumption of cariogenic drinks and parent education remained as significant predictors of caries.
Conclusion: This study provides information on and factors predicting dental caries among pre-school children from migrant backgrounds in Australia. In this population, approximately 1 in 3 children experienced dental caries. Comparable national data for this age group is non-existent. From our results it appears that the early years following family migration to Australia are the period of greatest risk of poor child oral health.