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Degree

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University Honors Tutorial College, Sociology, 2012.

Abstract

Spatial and economic inequality has the potential to impact the oral health care of children. This study examined the relationship of high and low capacity rural, Appalachian counties in Ohio and the oral health of children in these areas. A survey was conducted by the Bureau of Oral Health Services (BOHS), and the subjects were Ohio third- graders. Four rural, Appalachian counties were examined in this study; two were considered high capacity and two considered low capacity. Data concerning the inability of children to receive needed dental care and the presence of untreated decay was analyzed. The preceding analyses yielded some significant results. In the 2004-05 and 2009-10 academic years, the percentage of children within Appalachian counties that could not get needed dental care significantly differed by enrollment in Free/Reduced Price Meal Program. During both academic years, the percentage of children enrolled in Free/Reduced Price Meal Program significantly differed by county capacity. During both academic years, enrollment in Free/Reduced Price Meal Program is associated with the presence of untreated decay for both high and low county capacities. In the 2004-05 academic year, the difference between this association level for high and low capacity was determined to be statistically significantly different. In the 2009-10 academic year, the percentage of children that could not get needed dental care significantly differed by county capacity. During both academic years, the percentage of children that had untreated decay significantly differed by county capacity. In conclusion, low economic standing and low county capacity within rural Appalachia appears to negatively impact both ability for children to get needed dental care and the presence of untreated decay. The findings of this study warrant further exploration of contributing factors.

Subject Headings

Health Care; Political Science; Public Health; Public Policy; Sociology

Keywords

Appalachia; oral health; spatial inequality; economic inequality; Appalachian children

Advisor

Debra Henderson, PhD (Advisor)

Pages

64p.

Document number: ouhonors1338950496
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1338950496

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