Study Protocol for Oral Health Research in Appalachia
Author Information
Author(s): Deborah E Polk, Robert J Weyant, Richard J Crout, Daniel W McNeil, Ralph E Tarter, John G Thomas, Mary L Marazita
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Many of the risk factors associated with poor oral health across the lifespan have their origins in childhood or adolescence.
Conclusion
This study has the potential to greatly advance our understanding of factors that contribute to oral health in Appalachian children.
Supporting Evidence
- Appalachia has some of the worst oral health in the United States.
- The study aims to understand the complex relationships among contributing factors to oral diseases.
- Participants were recruited from rural areas in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Takeaway
This study is trying to find out why kids in Appalachia have bad teeth by looking at their families and communities.
Methodology
Families participated in interviews, questionnaires, clinical oral health assessments, microbiological assessments, and DNA collection in a cross-sectional study design.
Potential Biases
The lack of a comparison group undergoing the same protocol may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study sample is drawn from volunteers and is not a true random sample, which may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Families with at least one parent-child pair, living in rural Appalachia, with children aged 1-18.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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