Journal of Pediatric Perspectives

Journal of Pediatric Perspectives

Maternal Oral Health Indicators and Gastroenteritis-Related Hospitalization Among Children Under Four Years: An Exploratory Case-Control Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : original article

Authors
Mahdi Rahbar 1
Manouchehr Barak 2
Sanaz Izadi 1
Aziz Kamran 3
1 Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Bu'ali Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
3 Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22038/jpp.2026.97115.5698
Abstract
Background: Maternal oral health literacy (OHL) and oral health status may reflect broader health-related behaviors that influence child health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal OHL, dental status (DMFT index), and hospitalizations related to gastroenteritis among children under four years of age.
Methods: This case-control study included 120 mother-child dyads recruited in 2024 from primary health centers and a pediatric hospital in Ardabil, Iran. The case group included 60 mothers of children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis, while the control group included 60 mothers of children with no documented history of gastroenteritis-related hospitalization. Maternal OHL was assessed using a validated questionnaire, and oral health status was evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of pediatric gastroenteritis.
Results: Overall maternal OHL was significantly lower in the case group (9.20 ± 2.77 vs. 10.58 ± 4.09, P = 0.032), with the largest difference observed in the decision-making domain (2.42 ± 1.28 vs. 3.28 ± 1.45, P = 0.001). Higher maternal DMFT scores were independently associated with increased odds of gastroenteritis-related hospitalization (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.32; P = 0.006), whereas higher decision-making scores were associated with lower odds (adjusted OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34–0.77; P = 0.001). Conversely, higher numeracy scores were associated with increased odds of hospitalization (adjusted OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.15–3.02; P = 0.011).
Conclusion: Lower maternal oral health literacy, particularly poorer decision-making skills, and higher maternal DMFT scores were independently associated with gastroenteritis-related hospitalizations in children. These findings indicate associations rather than causality. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Keywords
DMFT
Gastroenteritis
Literacy
Mothers
Oral health
Pediatric
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Journal of Pediatric Perspectives

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 July 2026