Question

Oral health is affected by many determinants. As previously stated "A determinant can be an event (e.g. first responders to 911 developed cancer), a characteristic (e.g. African-Americans are at higher risk for HBP) or any other entity that brings about a change (either positive or negative) in a health condition."

Choose a determinant related to oral health. Briefly discuss which study type you would use to investigate the determinant. State why you choose the determinant and the study design. Remember: All posts and responses should contain proper grammar, be free of spelling errors, be substantial, and reflect critical thinking.

Answer 1

The determinant of choice related to oral health is the socio-economic condition.

The study-type used to investigate the determinant is Cohort cross-section study.

The reasons for choosing this particular determinant and study design are various. Cohort cross-section study is one of the basic designs of epidemiology used in medical/nursing research based on evidence/statistical approach. Epidemiological research findings on socio-economic conditions of oral health are supported by the risk-factor approach using statistical modeling techniques. Since cohort studies are mostly about history or case study of cross-sectional segments of populations and the individuals who constitute these population segments. In this particular determinant based study, people living in similar social conditions who are financially sound were studied. Even though people who are rich could afford dental care, their financial situation made them eat more sweets etc., which caused more dental decay.