The association between social determinants and the oral health of older population of Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Introduction In 2010, WHO predicted a dramatic increase in the world’s population over 65 years, with massive growth in developing countries, including Kazakhstan. The oral health of the older population is influenced by non-medical factors called social determinants of health. Many authors showed an association between social determinants and oral health of the 45 years and older population of emerging countries (developing countries with some characteristics of the developed markets). Aim To identify the association between social determinants and oral health of 45 years and older population of Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods This study adopts a cross-sectional design based on a quantitative research process using a randomised multi-stage cluster sampling method. The data were collected in urban (the city polyclinic number 8 in Almaty city) and rural (Raiymbek Central Regional Hospital in Kegen town) areas of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. A total number of 535 participants were examined from 2011 to 2013. The examination procedure followed an adapted WHO examination protocol. Results The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between oral health statuses of 45 years and older population of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan by social determinants of health. The prevalence of tooth decay was 1.5 times higher in female (26.3%) participants than males (18.6%). Participants aged 75 years and older (97.3%) had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease compared to the 45-59 years-old (32.9%). The prevalence of 20 teeth and more was six times higher in urban participants of the 45-59 age group compared to rural participants. Conclusion The association between social determinants and the oral health of 45 years and older population of the Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan is considerable and has implications for future public health policies in the region.