ABSTRACT
Background Regional differences in economic development, natural environment, health care level, and social structure may lead to differences in the provincial distribution of the health status of the elderly population. Objective To explore the provincial distribution characteristics, regional differences, and influencing factors of the self-assessed health of the elderly population, with the aim of providing a policy basis for improving the health of the elderly population and promoting healthy aging according to local conditions. Methods Using 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China as the basicstudy unit and based on the method of Wagstaff, the self-rated health data of the elderly population (aged 60 years and above) in each province from the 2010 and 2020 national censuses and the 2015 1% National Population Sample Survey were converted into ill-health scores as a measure of self-assessed health, and higher scores represented worse health status perception. Global Moran's I was used to evaluate spatial autocorrelation, range [−1, 1], with a value of 1 as a perfect clustered pattern. Local Moran's I was used to evaluate the tendency of local autocorrelation, and high-high aggregation/low-low aggregation indicated that both target province and its neighboring provinces showed higher/lower ill-health scores. Spatial econometric models were selected by Lagrange multiplier test and Hausman test to explore influencing factors of the self-assessed health of the elderly population. Results In 2010, 2015, and 2020, the national ill-health scores of the elderly population were 1.831, 1.873, and 1.547, respectively, and the corresponding Global Moran's I statistics were 0.347, 0.482, and 0.511, respectively (P<0.01), indicating that the ill-health scores of the elderly population showed a significant spatial positive autocorrelation, and the degree of spatial aggregation was increasing gradually. From 2010 to 2020, the high-high aggregation of ill-health scores among the elderly population was concentrated in the inland northwest, while the low-low aggregation was concentrated in the southeast coast, gradually showing a "southeast-central-northwest" stepped incremental pattern of differentiation. The Lagrange multiplier test and Hausman test suggested that the fixed-effects spatial lagged model was a better choice, and the regression model showed a spatial autocorrelation in the ill-health scores of the elderly population, with an autocorrelation coefficient of 0.3969 (P<0.001); the ill-health scores of the elderly population were negatively correlated with the natural logarithms of gross regional product per capita, and the number of beds in health care facilities per 1000 population, with regression coefficients of −0.8297 and −0.0454 (P<0.05) respectively, and positively correlated with the annual average concentration of PM2.5, illiteracy rate, and the number of health technicians per 1000 population, with regression coefficients of 0.0033, 0.0297, and 0.0765 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion From 2010 to 2020, the overall self-assessed health level of China's elderly population showed an upward trend and a spatial positive autocorrelation, with better self-assessed health in the southeast coast and poorer ratings in the northwestern inland. Additionally, there was a gradual decline in self-assessed health of the elderly population from the southeast to the central regions and further to the northwest in terms of spatial distribution. Economic development level, environmental pollution, health resource allocation, and education level are important factors influencing the self-assessed health of the elderly population.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the influence of regional differences on the body composition of the Miao nationality. Methods The bioelectrical impedance method was used to measure 17 body composition indexes of 357 adults of Miao Nationality in Guizhou (162 males and 195 females) and 471 adults of Miao Nationality in Western Hu'nan (210 males and 261 females). The correlation analysis between body composition and age, One-Way ANOVA and principal component analysis were carried out. Results The visceral fat grade and trunk fat percentage of Miao men in Guizhou and Miao in Western Hu'nan were positively correlated with age, and total muscle mass and trunk muscle mass were negatively correlated with age. The visceral fat grade and trunk fat rate of Miao women in the two regions were positively correlated with age, and the presumed bone mass and trunk muscle mass were negatively correlated with age. The index values of weight, muscle mass, estimated bone mass, water content, visceral fat grade, limb and trunk muscle mass in Guizhou Miao and Miao men in Western Hu'nan were all larger than women, and the body fat rate, limb and trunk fat mass were all smaller than women. The body fat percentages, limbs and trunk fat percentages of Guizhou Miao men and women were similar to those of Xiangxi Miao, and the muscle mass, limbs and trunk muscle mass were less than that of Xiangxi Miao. Conclusion There are obvious regional differences in muscle mass between the Miao nationality in Guizhou and the Miao nationality in Western Hu'nan.
ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the main reasons for the difference of sedum development between Daur adults in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. Methods Nine circumference values and six skin fold thickness of 544 adults of Daur nationality (304 in Xinjiang and 240 in Inner Mongolia) were investigated by random sampling. Circumferences, skin fold thickness and obesity indexes of Daur nationality in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia were analyzed. Results There were significant differences in 8 circumference without thigh circumference, 2 skin fold thickness such as triceps skinfold, subscapularis skinfold, 3 obesity indexes such as Verv index, body fat rate, body mass index(BMI). Correspondence analysis showed that subcutaneous fat development was stronger in northern regions than in southern regions. Conclusion The Daur nationality in Inner Mongolia has more fat and less muscle than that in Xinjiang. The problems of overweight and obesity in both regions are serious. It is suggested to pay attention to exercise and diet. Low temperature,lack of physical exercise, low temperature, low economic and medical standards and unhealthy eating habits can thicken subcutaneous fat.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the regional differences of body anthropometric traits in the Han population. Methods From 2015 to 2019, thirty-one body anthropometric traits of three Han ethnic groups were measured from Nanning (Guangxi), Zhengzhou (He'nan), and Taizhou (Jiangsu). The gender and regional difference analysis of each trait, and the correlation analysis between age and traits were carried out. Based on the principal component analysis of individual data of body phenotypic traits, the traits with significant regional difference were extracted to finely describe the physical characteristics of the Han peoplpe in the three regions. Results Most of the anthropometric traits of the three Han populations were statistically different in gender and region, and there was a positive or negative correlation between certain traits and age. The result of principal component analysis based on individual data showed that there were obvious regional differences in body anthropometric traits of the Han people. The difference between the Han Chinese in Guangxi ( south of the Yangtze River ) with He ' nan ( north of the Huaihe River ) and Jiangsu was relatively large, and difference was relatively small between He ' nan and Jiangsu Han Chinese. Meanwhile the Han Chinese in Jiangsu had its own characteristics in part of the phenotypic traits, which could be distinguished from the Han Chinese in He ' nan. Conclusion The research on the body anthropometric traits confirmed that there were significant regional differences in Han population, and suggested that the Yangtze River might be the largest geographic barrier for the population migration and genetic exchange between the north and south population.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To describe the characteristics of habitual snoring among adults from 10 regions engaged in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study.@*Methods@#The baseline survey of CKB was conducted from 2004 to 2008. Data was collected regarding the information on socio- demographic characteristics, lifestyle, sleeping habits, and results from the physical examination of the participants. Logistic regression models were used to compare the regional differences and to estimate the associations of other baseline characteristics on snoring habit.@*Results@#A total of 512 713 participants were included in this study. The overall prevalence of habitual snoring was 21.2%, higher among men, in south regions and urban areas, but no difference observed among people with different socioeconomic status after adjusting for age, regions, BMI, waist circumference or lifestyle factors. Results showed that the prevalence of habitual snoring under the multivariable adjusted model increased among current and ever smokers, also among current and ever alcohol consumers. The risk of habitual snoring was increased by 19% per 1 kg/m2 and 6% per 1 cm increment in BMI or waist circumference, respectively. Among participants with similar BMI, central obese individuals were more likely to be habitual snorers. For individuals with similar waist circumference, the prevalence of habitual snoring was higher among those with higher BMI.@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of habitual snoring varied across regions. Substantial differences in habitual snoring were also seen among people with different lifestyles and body sizes.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To understand the characteristics of adulthood weight change through the analysis on data from China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) Study of 0.5 million adults from ten areas in China.@*Methods@#An electronic questionnaire was used to collect the information about the body weight at age 25 years, social-demographic characteristics and lifestyle of the study subjects and their body weight were measured. After excluding the adults with self-reported histories of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer or diabetes and those who had no data of body weight at age 25 years and those aged outside of 35-70 years, a total of 360 903 adults were included in the analysis. Adulthood weight change were defined as difference value between current body weight and body weight at age 25 years.@*Results@#The mean adulthood weight change of the participants was 4.9 kg. The adults living in urban area showed more body weight increase compared with those living in rural area, so did the adults in northern area compared with those in southern area. Among the ten areas in China, Qingdao reported the highest adulthood weight increase (9.3 kg), and Gansu reported the lowest adulthood weight increase (1.5 kg). Older adults had higher BMI at early adulthood (25 years old), but the adults aged 45-50 years had the highest adulthood body weight increase. Adults with higher educational level, higher household income level, but lower physical activity level had more body weight increase, while current smokers, farmers and workers had less body weight increase. BMI at age 25 years was negatively associated with adulthood body weight change, but current BMI was positively associated with adulthood body weight change (P<0.001).@*Conclusion@#Adulthood body weight change varied greatly among population with different demographic characteristics and lifestyle and in ten areas in China.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To study the gene mutation status of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)patients and its relationship with clinical indexes,and to provide reference for individualized administration of EGFR-TKI in NSCLC patients. METHODS:Totally of 274 NSCLC patients from the northern of Jiangsu area were selected from our hospital during Jan. 2015-Dec. 2017. Mutation status of EGFR gene in lung tissue was determined by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-TaqMan PCR assay. The relationship of EGFR gene mutation with clinical indexes as gender,age, smoking status, staging, tumor differentiation and pathological type were analyzed retrospectively. Compared with related literatures,the regional differences of EGFR gene mutation were analyzed. RESULTS:Among 274 NSCLC patients,112 patients suffered from EGFR gene mutation with total mutation rate of 40.88%. There were 50,57,3,2 cases of exon 19,exon 21,exon 20 and exon 19+21 mutation,and the types of EGFR gene mutation were delE746-A750,L858R and insH773-V774H,etc. The mutation rates of EGFR gene exon 19,exon 21 in non-smoking,early,well-differentiated and adenocarcinoma patients were 52.50%,47.24%,46.36% and 45.00%,which were significantly higher than smoking (28.57%),advanced (27.03%), poor-differentiated(31.71%)and squamous cell carcinoma(27.66%)patients,with statistical significance(P＜0.05). There was no statistical significance in mutation rates of EGFR gene exon 19 and exon 21 between male and female,≥65 year-old and ＜65 year-old patients (P＞0.05). EGFR mutation rate of NSCLC subjects from the northern of Jiangsu area was significantly higher than Shanghai area(P＜0.05);there was no statistical significance compared with Yunnan area(P＞0.05)but mutation types were different. CONCLUSIONS:There is the highest EGFR gene mutation rate in its exon 21,lesser in exon 19,rare in exon 20 and exon 19+21 among NSCLC patients from the Northern of Jiangsu area. There are obvious regional differences. The mutation rate of EGFR gene mutation exon 19 and exon 21 are associated with smoking status,staging,tumor differentiation and pathological type of NSCLC patients. The non-smoking, early stage, well-differentiated and adenocarcinoma patients are more likely to benefit from EGFR-TKI targeted therapy.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the impact of social health expenditure on the macro health level and its regional differences.Methods:Based on provincial panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2014,using sing the fixed effects model,ⅣV and GMM to perform empirical analysis.Results:Social health expenditure could significantly promote the macro health level.The effect was strongest in western China,weaker in the central region and weakest in the east region,showing great difference among regions.Conclusion:Government should implement various tax incentives,and encourage the development of health insurance and other forms to increase social health expenditure.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the correlation between E670G polymorphism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene and coronary heart disease (CHD), and contrastively study the regional differences of E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene between patients with CHD among the Han population in Hainan and three provinces in the northeast of China (TPNC), providing scientific basis for prevention and treatment of patients with CHD in different regions.@*METHODS@#A total of 233 cases of patients with CHD were selected from the Han population in Hainan and TPNC as the experimental group (118 cases from Hainan, 115 cases from TPNC), and 239 cases with non-CHD were selected among the Han population also in the two regions as control group (125 cases from Hainan, 114 cases from TPNC). The triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of plasma were tested and PCR-RFLP method was used to test the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene. The statistical software package SPSS 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis and P 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There was a close correlation between the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene and CHD with serum lipid level. Among Han population in Hainan and TPNC, the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene of patients with CHD exhibited regional differences.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the correlation between E670G polymorphism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene and coronary heart disease (CHD), and contrastively study the regional differences of E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene between patients with CHD among the Han population in Hainan and three provinces in the northeast of China (TPNC), providing scientific basis for prevention and treatment of patients with CHD in different regions. Methods: A total of 233 cases of patients with CHD were selected from the Han population in Hainan and TPNC as the experimental group (118 cases from Hainan, 115 cases from TPNC), and 239 cases with non-CHD were selected among the Han population also in the two regions as control group (125 cases from Hainan, 114 cases from TPNC). The triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of plasma were tested and PCR-RFLP method was used to test the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene. The statistical software package SPSS 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis and P 0.05). Conclusions: There was a close correlation between the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene and CHD with serum lipid level. Among Han population in Hainan and TPNC, the E670G polymorphism of PCSK9 gene of patients with CHD exhibited regional differences.
ABSTRACT
Objective To identify common allergens in patients with eczema or dermatitis by using serum IgE tests, and to explore their clinical significance. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on eczema or dermatitis patients with at least one positive serum IgE test result from 10 hospitals in China. Results Totally, 458 patients were included in this study with an average age of 28.13 ± 23.11 years. Of these patients, 209 (45.63%)were male, and 249 (54.37%)were female. The top three allergens were cockroaches(180/458, 39.30%), dust mite mix(152/458, 33.19%) and peanuts (116/458, 25.33%). Polysensitization (sensitization to more than one allergen)was observed in 89.66%(26/29)of patients with atopic dermatitis and 86.84%(33/38)of patients with facial eczema. Moreover, the rate of polysensitization was significantly higher in patients with generalized lesions than in those with circumscribed lesions (80%(88/110)vs. 70.40%(245/348),χ2=3.880, P=0.049). The positive rate of specific IgE against inhaled allergens was highest in the age group of 11-20 years(39/43, 90.70%), while the specific IgE against milk(26.53%, 26/98)and beef (19.39%, 19/98)was mainly observed in children aged less than 3 years. In addition, patients in northern areas showed increased positive rates of specific IgE to mugwort (10.35% vs. 1.61%,χ2= 4.917, P< 0.05), cockroaches (42.42%vs. 19.35%,χ2=11.959, P<0.05), milk (14.39%vs. 3.23%,χ2=5.958, P<0.05), soybeans (13.89%vs. 3.23%,χ2=5.594, P<0.05), beef(11.36%vs. 1.61%,χ2=5.641, P<0.05)and fresh-water fish(13.38%vs. 3.23%,χ2 = 5.235, P< 0.05)compared with those in southern areas. Conclusions Cockroaches are a common allergen in patients with eczema or dermatitis, and their clinical significance is worthy of further study. Polysensitization seems to be more frequent in patients with facial eczema or atopic dermatitis. Age is an important factor influencing allergen sensitization, and there is a regional difference in the distribution of common allergens.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this 7-year study was to examine regional differences in scaling experience rate. METHODS: This study used data on scaling experience rate from the Community Health Survey (CHS) obtained between 2008 and 2014. The standardized frequency of scaling experience rate was analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 program, and shown as a Box Plot. Using the Map Wizard for Excel 10.0, the scaling experience rate in each region was illustrated using Geographic Information System (GIS). RESULTS: The scaling experience rate in 2008 was 18.6% and in 2014, was 34.9%. From 2008 to 2014, the annual rate of scaling experience increased approximately 1.8 times. The scaling experience appeared to form clustering on GIS, and there were differences in scaling experience rate between cities, towns, and districts. Although the scaling experience rate increased, the gap between regions seems consistent. CONCLUSIONS: The Scaling Experience rate increased annually, but regional differences did not decrease. Therefore, oral health care professionals in each community should strive to improve the scaling experience rate.
Subject(s)
Geographic Information Systems , Health Surveys , Oral HealthABSTRACT
Objective:To study on regional differences of technical efficiency under medical and health system in China, and analyze on the influence factors of technical efficiency. Methods: Based on the provincial panel data from 2002 to 2011, the stochastic frontier production function of healthcare system was established for empirical analysis. Results and Conclusion: Overall, the average technical efficiency of medical and health system in China presented an increasing tendency, however, a significant difference was found in regional efficiency. The non-efficiency of medical and health system in different areas could be reduced by the proportion of tertiary hospitals in all medical institutions, the ratio of profit-making medical institutions in all medical institutions and the population density;while the influences of highway density and per capital education year on technical efficiency in different areas are different.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze and assess secular change in stature in rural children and adolescents in China from 1985 to 2010.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data were obtained from the 6 rounds of the Chinese National Survey on Student's Constitution and Health. The subjects enrolled in the study were children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in rural areas of provincial capitals.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>An overall positive secular trend in stature occurred in rural areas of provincial capitals in China from 1985 to 2010. The overall average increase rates were 3.1 and 2.4 cm/decade for boys and girls, respectively. The total body height increases for grown up boys and girls were 3.6 and 2.3 cm and the increase rates were 1.4 and 0.9 cm/decade, respectively. There were differences in body height increase among eastern, central and western regions. The average body height of the children or adolescents in eastern region was highest, followed by central region and western region. The overall increase rates in central region were highest among the three regions. The difference between eastern/central region and western region was obvious.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Positive secular trend in stature of children or adolescents has occurred in rural area of China, and rural boys and girls showed a great potential for continuous growth. More attention should be paid to the differences in children's body height between western region and eastern/central region.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Asian People , Body Height , Physiology , Child Development , China , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
The daily life information needs of elderly people in different areas of China were analyzed , which showed that the elderly people are most concerned about TV news information, health information, recreation infor-mation, welfare information , and popular science knowledge .
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the regional differences of the health resource allocation in Guangdong Province from 2002 to 2011, and provide the scientific basis for regional health planning and health resource allocation optimizing. Methods: The Theil Index was used to analyze the regional differences of the health resource allocation in Guangdong Province. Results: The health resource per capital is consistent with the national level, while differences existed in different areas, and the gap of the differences has been broaden during this period. Conclusions: The differences are caused by the difference distribution of material resources, human resources, the faulty of system and mechanism. Therefore, the hygienic resources disposition should be balanced establish reasonable mechanism to improve the equity of health human resources, strengthen the community health service as a breakthrough during the health system reform, and promote the equal access to basic medical and health services to narrow the gap of the regional differences and promote the equity of health resource allocation.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the impact of basic medical insurance on household consumption. Methods: According to the panel data of the east, central and west regions from 2002 to 2011, time and entity fixed effect model (Two-way FE) is established to test the relationship between the basic medical insurance and household consumption. Results: The basic medical insurance has significant positive effects on consumption, the consumption increased 10%, 16% and 19% in regions of East, Middle and West, respectively. Conclusion: The construction and improvement of the social medical insurance system improve the growth of the consumption, and the government should enhance the security, and consider the regional differences at the same time.
ABSTRACT
This study reviewed the outbreak and prevalence of cattle plague around Byeongjahoran from the perspective of international war in East Asia. First of all, the epidemiological characteristics of cattle plague in Manchuria where the outbreak of cattle plague was first reported around Byeongjahoran were analyzed. From the study, it was found the military activities that Sarhu (Qing) had made during the growth into Empire promoted the exchanges of various germs which became naturalized in the regions in Northeast Asia, and that such extreme situation as war made various diseases taken place and dispersed. In particular, because of military activities of Sarhu (Qing), various contagious diseases including smallpox which was prevalent in Inner-Mongolia and Shanxi became prevalent in Manchuria. During the contacts with Chosun after Jeongmyohoran, pathogen occurring Rinderpest was introduced into Manchuria. Favorable conditions for the interactions with various pathogens were provided by frequent contacts with wild animals through hunting and various cultivation groups composed of Manchurians, Mongolians, Han-Chinese and Chosun people. Rinderpest breaking in Chosun around Byeongjahoran was originated in Shenyang in 1636. It was transmitted to cattle in the Korean Peninsula and expanded to Kansai Region. At that time Rinderpest occurred and rapidly expanded in a specific area due to the interactions of pathogens, hosts and environments, and suddenly disappeared because of the extinction and the separation of hosts. It is consistent with the symptoms of modern times 'Rinderpest.' In Chosun it occurred in Pyeongan-do 4 months before the outbreak of Byeongjahoran and gave great damage on the capital area and northern Gyeonggi region. Because of the large scale migration of militaries after Byeongjahoran, Rindpest was expanded to Hasamdo and was terminated in February to April leaving big damages. The damages of Byeongjahoran were very severe. From the statistical records, it was found that the mortality rate in Gyenggi-do was around 2/3, around 50% in Jeju area. The mortality rate of infected cattle was around 75%. In some records based on individual cases, 80-100% of mortality rate was addressed. It is comparable to 25% of mortality in 1627, and is near or less than the mortality rate of Rinderpest in the 19th and 20the century. When analyzing the expansion of Rinderpest from the perspective of place, the most damaged places were areas near the busy roads or the places with dense population. Therefore, the remote places far from busy roads or separated from the affected places right after the outbreak did not have much damage. Additionally, rich stock-feeders had relatively small damages and poor households with 1 or 2 stokes were badly affected. The prevention and supply of medication by government made considerably positive effects on the prevention and treatment of Finderpest.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Humans , Animals, Wild , Asia , China , Divorce , Family Characteristics , Hypogonadism , Military Personnel , Mitochondrial Diseases , Ophthalmoplegia , Phenols , Prevalence , Rinderpest , SmallpoxABSTRACT
Human aging, the process of arterial stiffness occurs rapidly, which later results in structure change and dysfunction in blood circulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) of elderly population in different regions of Mongolia and compare the result. In accordance with Mongolian nationwide Human Longevity Study, 1114 elderly subjects (male over 60 age, female over 55 age) were examined in Ulaanbaatar city, Baruun, Khangai area. CAVI was calculated automatically from the pulse volume record, blood pressure and the vascular length from heart to the ankle. Cardio-ankle vascular index were evaluated by VaSera VS-1000 (FUKUDA DENSHI, JAPAN). Average decline of CAVI was about 8.88±1.44 in a per decade. CAVI was correlated with age (r=0.415, p<0.01). CAVI was significantly correlated with age, and Ulaanbaatar city’s elderly people arterial stiffness is more changed other areas. Arterial stiffness male elderly people was changed more than female people.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the regional differences for unmet dental need, while comparing 16 metropolitan cities in South Korea. Further, this study aims to examine the impacts of social determinants, which relates to the regional difference. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzes the data, of the 4th round Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), in depth, as well as an ecologic analysis investigating each area as an aggregate unit. The data obtained from 24,871 subjects was stratified of 16 cities. The dependent variables were the unmet dental needs. There were 12 variables in social determinant, which have been approached by the social status, the social position, the economic status, the urbanization and access to resources. The sex-age adjusted standardization ratio was calculated and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed to compare the cities. The coefficient of variations was calculated. Social determinants affecting regional differences were analyzed through a multiple regression model. PASW statistics 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used. RESULTS: The unmet dental need between the 16 cities showed a 1.7 times the regional difference. On the other hand the unmet dental need, due to financial reason, showed a 3.3 times the regional difference. The correlation analysis showed that the unmet dental need was higher in single-person households, in welfarites and in severely deprived areas. The final regression analysis showed that the local deprivation index (beta=-17.19), the ratio of single-person household (beta=3.91), and the number of dentists per 10,000 population (beta=-2.30), were found to be statistically significant affecting the regional differences of unmet dental need (P<0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The unmet dental need in South Korea showed the regional difference, which was affected by the urbanization, the social position and resources of the areas among social determinants.