Food Insecurity and Dental Caries in Rural Chiapas, Mexico

What is it about?

This study investigated the association between food insecurity (FI) and oral health in two rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico. The study used the Latin-American and Caribbean Scale of Food Security (ELCSA) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to collect data from 209 participants. The results showed that FI was associated with dental caries, and individuals with severe FI had a higher probability of severe dental caries. The FI level was lower than in other rural populations in Mexico. Identifying these individuals and addressing the factors related to FI can be useful in rural communities.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it highlights the relationship between food insecurity (FI) and oral health in rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Understanding this association is crucial for government and health organizations to develop effective strategies and interventions to address both issues simultaneously. Key Takeaways: 1. The study found a significant association between food insecurity and the prevalence of dental caries in the rural communities of Chiapas, Mexico. 2. The most common form of food insecurity in the study population was mild FI. 3. The prevalence of carious lesions varied depending on the age group, with the highest prevalence in the 2-5 years age range. 4. The study emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and social interventions to address food insecurity and prevent dental caries. 5. Further research is needed to clarify the relationships between FI and oral health and to generalize the findings to other populations.