ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, with regular dental care being fundamental to its maintenance. This study focuses on understanding dental care utilization among adults aged 18 and above who have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, aiming to uncover patterns, disparities, and determinants of oral health practices within this demographic. METHODS: Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Oral Health dataset were utilized to conduct this analysis. The dataset encompasses a diverse and nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and above. The study explored the proportion of adults who sought dental care between 2008 and 2020, further stratified by demographic variables including age, gender, income, education, and race. The analysis provides insights into the prevalence of dental care utilization and the role of demographic factors in shaping oral health behaviors. RESULTS: The study found that 64.8% (n =397,291; 95% CI: 64.4 - 65.2) of adults aged 18 and above visited a dentist or dental clinic in 2020. Subgroup analysis revealed variations in dental care use by age, gender, income, education, and race. Among genders, 67.4% (n = 150,510; 95% CI: 66.9 - 67.9) of females sought care in 2020, compared to 61.9% (n = 116,535; 95% CI: 61.4 - 62.4) of males. Those earning >$50,000 had the highest proportion, 75.3% (n = 13,363; 95% CI: 74.8 - 75.8), seeking care. Among racial groups, White adults had the highest proportion, 68.4% (n = 204,486; 95% CI: 68.0 - 68.8) in 2020. In education groups, college graduates or professionals had the highest, 77.3% (n = 121,800; 95% CI: 76.8 - 77.8) in 2020. Among ages, adults aged 65+ had the highest proportion, 67.1% (n = 96,012; 95% CI: 66.4 - 67.8) in 2020. However, as age decreased, dental visit proportion generally remained within the same range. CONCLUSION: This study enhances our understanding of dental care utilization patterns within the studied population, shedding light on disparities in oral health practices. Moreover, it provides insight into how demographic factors shape dental/oral healthcare-seeking behaviors. Ultimately, these insights guide efforts to improve oral health outcomes and well-being within this population.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study conducted a comprehensive two-decade analysis of current asthma among children under 18 in the United States using National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of current asthma, evaluate temporal trends, and identify disparities based on gender, age, insurance status, household poverty levels, and race/ethnicity. METHODS: Data spanning 2003-2019 from NCHS were analyzed, focusing on current asthma prevalence among children under 18. Age-adjusted prevalence rates were calculated and stratified by various factors, including gender, age groups, health insurance status, poverty levels, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: The study revealed substantial disparities in current asthma prevalence. Over the two-decade period, the overall prevalence of current asthma fluctuated. It increased from 2003 (8.5%) to 2009 (9.6%) and then decreased by 2019 (7.0%). Gender disparities were evident, with males (9.9%) consistently reporting a higher prevalence than females (7.5%). Older children aged between 10-17 years (10.4%) consistently had a higher prevalence of asthma than younger children aged 0-4 (5.3%) and 5-9 years (9.5%). Children with Medicaid insurance (11.2%) had the highest prevalence, followed by insured (8.9%), privately insured (7.7%), and uninsured children (6.1%). Children living below the federal poverty level (FPL) consistently reported the highest prevalence (11.3%), while children above 400% of the FPL (7.1%) had the lowest prevalence. Racial disparities were observed, with Black children (14.3%) having higher asthma prevalence, followed by White (7.6%) and Asian children (5.4%). CONCLUSION: The study highlights significant disparities in current asthma prevalence over the two-decade period analyzed. While the overall prevalence showed fluctuations, it generally increased from 2003 to 2009 and then decreased by 2019. Gender disparities were evident, with males consistently reporting a higher prevalence compared to females. Older children in the 10-17 age group consistently had a higher asthma prevalence than younger age groups. Moreover, disparities based on insurance status and income levels were also apparent, with children on Medicaid and those living below the FPL reporting higher asthma prevalence. Racial disparities were observed, with Black children having the highest prevalence, followed by White and Asian children. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing these disparities and tailoring interventions to improve asthma management and prevention across different demographic groups.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that has a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents. This study conducts a comprehensive 20-year analysis of data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to investigate the prevalence of ADHD among American youth, as well as its demographic patterns and socioeconomic determinants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of NCHS data spanning from 1997 to 2018 was carried out. The dataset included information on ADHD diagnoses, demographic characteristics (such as age, gender, and race/ethnicity), socioeconomic indicators (including poverty level and health insurance status), and temporal variables. A range of statistical analyses were performed, encompassing temporal trend analysis, demographic assessments, and socioeconomic examinations. RESULTS: It was consistently observed that boys had a higher prevalence of ADHD (12.93% compared to 5.61%), aligning with established trends. Among adolescents aged 10-17, the prevalence was the highest at 11.09%, while for the 5-9 age group, it stood at 6.57%. In terms of racial and ethnic groups, individuals identifying as two or more races exhibited the highest prevalence at 12.36%, followed by white (9.83%), black or African American (10.09%), Hispanic or Latino (5.36%), and non-Hispanic or Latino (10.64%). Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with a prevalence of 11.41% among those living below the poverty line, compared to 10.6% (100%-199% of the poverty line), 8.6% (200%-399%), and 8.39% (400% or more). Medicaid beneficiaries had the highest prevalence at 12.57%, followed by those with private insurance (9.65%), insured (8.11%), and uninsured (5.83%). CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the intricate relationship between ADHD prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic factors. It is imperative to address these disparities to ensure equitable assessment and intervention for ADHD, taking into account cultural influences, determinants of health tied to socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare for all children. This analysis by the NCHS provides essential insights into ADHD among American youth, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions, equitable healthcare access, and further research to comprehensively address this complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
ABSTRACT
Background This study investigates the temporal patterns of diagnosed diabetes cases among adults aged 18 and above in the United States from 2000 to 2021, using data from the U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System (USDDS) database. The study analyzed variations in diagnosed diabetes cases based on gender, age, education, location, and race to provide insights into the changing disease burden over two decades. Methods A retrospective observational design was employed in analyzing data from the USDDS database. The study population comprised adults aged 18 and above with diagnosed diabetes. Descriptive statistical analysis and subgroup comparisons were performed to identify temporal trends and disparities in diagnosed diabetes cases among different demographic groups. Results The study uncovered significant temporal patterns in diagnosed diabetes cases among US adults. Males consistently reported higher diabetes cases (8.44%) than females (7.45%). Variations existed among age groups, with the 65-74 age group having the highest cases (19.69%) and the 18-44 age group having the lowest cases (2.34%). Disparities by race/ethnicity were evident, with non-Hispanic black individuals (11.80%) and Hispanics (11.07%) having the highest percentages, while Asians (7.84%) and whites (6.81%) had lower rates. Distinct temporal patterns emerged based on education levels, with the less than high school education group having the highest cases (11.77%), followed by those with a high school education (8.50%), and the lowest among those with higher than a high school education (6.60%). Conclusion The study has revealed a complex and evolving landscape of this chronic disease. Over these two decades, we observed significant fluctuations, with an overall upward trend in diagnosed diabetes cases. These findings underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to tackle diabetes effectively. Tailored interventions that consider age, gender, education, and geographic location are crucial to addressing the observed disparities in diabetes prevalence.
ABSTRACT
Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, with significant implications for public health. Of particular interest is its association with the early onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children. Exploring this relationship and identifying contributing factors may help strengthen understanding of this complex relationship. Factors such as family history, gender, and sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits, insulin resistance in adipose tissue have been identified as significant contributors to early-onset type 2 diabetes. The rising prevalence of childhood obesity and its association with diabetes necessitates early interventions to mitigate this concerning trend and ensure a lasting impact on public health. This scoping review aims to investigate the relationship between childhood obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus while also exploring other contributing factors. We employed a standardized framework for reviews to analyze relevant literature published in English between 2000 and 2021. Only primary research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing the association between childhood obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format. Out of the 3614 articles assessed, 17 were ultimately incorporated into this scoping review as they met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the literature primarily represented North American studies, with no inclusion of studies from South America. The findings from these studies have highlighted several factors contributing to type 2 diabetes mellitus development. Most of the studies associated obesity development with hypertension and unfavorable lipid profiles. It is important to acknowledge that these findings are derived from the available literature and may not encompass the entirety of research on childhood obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the limited regional diversity in the selected studies may restrict the generalizability of these findings to other geographic regions. Additional research involving diverse populations is imperative for a comprehensive understanding of the link between childhood obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance in adipose tissue among obese individuals contributes to the transition from obesity to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Notably, this transition occurs at approximately half the duration in obese youths compared to obese adults, where it typically takes around a decade. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes mellitus in high-income, low-income, and middle-income countries necessitate collective efforts to reduce the increasing rates of early-onset type 2 diabetes in children. This scoping review, therefore, seeks to underscore the importance of early interventions with regard to ensuring a lasting impact capable of extending into adulthood.
