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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
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Maternal risk behavior and caries incidence in children with sickle cell disease
Felipe Fagundes Soares1, Maria Cristina Teixeira Cangussu1, Maria Isabel Pereira Vianna1
1Departamento de Odontologia Social e Pediátrica, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Insights
Dental caries incidence is higher in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Maternal alcohol abuse and mental health issues significantly impact caries risk, highlighting the need for integrated care for SCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects numerous children globally.
- Dental caries is a prevalent issue in pediatric populations.
- Understanding risk factors for caries in vulnerable groups like SCD patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of dental caries in children with sickle cell disease.
- To analyze the relationship between caries incidence and maternal risk behaviors.
- To explore associations with clinical conditions of varying sickle cell disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 295 children (6-60 months) diagnosed with SCD.
- Data collection included family interviews for sociodemographic variables and oral examinations for dental caries.
- Validated scales (SRQ, CAGE) assessed common mental disorders and alcohol abuse in mothers.
Main Results:
- Higher caries incidence was observed in children with the HbSS genotype.
- A significant association was found between caries incidence and maternal alcohol abuse (RR = 1.99).
- Maternal common mental disorders showed an association with lower caries incidence (RR = 0.37), while maternal risk behaviors were linked to caries.
Conclusions:
- Maternal risk behaviors, including alcohol abuse and mental health conditions, are associated with dental caries in children with sickle cell disease.
- The findings underscore the need for expanded healthcare networks to support SCD patients.
- Integrated care addressing maternal health and risk behaviors is recommended for comprehensive SCD management.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of caries, in relation to maternal risk behaviors and clinical conditions representing different levels of sickle cell disease severity. A total of 295 children aged 6 to 60 months participated in this cohort conducted from August 2007 to December 2008. They were diagnosed and monitored by the referral service of the state. Interviews were made with families to identify sociodemographic variables, and an oral exam was performed to determine dental caries. The SRQ (Self Report Questionnaire) scale was used to diagnose the presence of common mental disorders, and the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye opener) was applied to determine abusive use of alcohol. The absolute and relative frequencies of the variables of interest were analyzed by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney, with a 5% significance level. The incidence variables were analyzed according to the logistic regression model, with a confidence interval of 95%. Caries incidence (1.98; SD = 4.68) was higher in the HbSS genotype. There was a statistically significant association between caries incidence and both abusive use of alcohol (32.43%, RR = 1.99; 1.05-3.78; 95%CI) and common mental disorders (8.77% RR = 0.37; 0.15-0.93; 95%CI). There was also an association between caries incidence and maternal risk behavior, indicating that the care network should be expanded to include patients with sickle cell disease.
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