Browsing by Author "Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan"
Now showing 1 - 16 of 16
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemOpen AccessA proposed one-stop-shop approach for the delivery of integrated oral, mental, sexual and reproductive care to adolescents in Nigeria(Pan African Medical Journal, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Nadia Adjoa Sam-Agudu; Abiola Adeniyi; Elizabeth Oziegbe; Nneka Maureen Chukwumah; Boladale MapayiThe interconnectedness of oral, mental, sexual, and reproductive health (OMSRH) in adolescents prompts exploration of novel approaches to facilitate comprehensive access of this population to the relevant health services. This paper proposes an integrated one-stop-shop approach to increasing adolescents' access to OMSRH care by leveraging on dental clinics as a template for integration, using a non-stigmatized platform to deliver stigmatized healthcare. Novel healthcare delivery models are needed to enhance adolescents' access to the comprehensive prevention and treatment services that they critically need. Effective, integrated health care for this population is lacking, especially across various health areas. This is a proposal for leveraging dental clinics for integrated OMSRH care, using facility-based services, to adolescents. Emphasis will be placed on reducing stigma as a barrier to service accessibility, acceptability, equitability and appropriateness. Empirical studies will be required to test the feasibility, validity and effectiveness of this proposed model.
- ItemOpen AccessAddressing Ebola-related Stigma(Global Health Action, 2014) Mariam Davtyan; Brandon Brown; Morenike Oluwatoyin FolayanBackground HIV/AIDS and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) are contemporary epidemics associated with significant social stigma in which communities affected suffer from social rejection, violence, and diminished quality of life. Objective To compare and contrast stigma related to HIV/AIDS and EVD, and strategically think how lessons learned from HIV stigma can be applied to the current EVD epidemic. Methods To identify relevant articles about HIV/AIDS and EVD-related stigma, we conducted an extensive literature review using multiple search engines. PubMed was used to search for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles and Google for online sources. We also consulted the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health to retrieve up-to-date information about EVD and HIV/AIDS. Results Many stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors directed towards those with EVD are strikingly similar to those with HIV/AIDS but there are significant differences worthy of discussion. Both diseases are life-threatening and there is no medical cure. Additionally misinformation about affected groups and modes of transmission runs rampant. Unlike in persons with EVD, historically criminalized and marginalized populations carry a disproportionately higher risk for HIV infection. Moreover, mortality due to EVD occurs within a shorter time span as compared to HIV/AIDS.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociation between developmental dental anomalies, early childhood caries and oral hygiene status of 3–5-year-old children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria(BMC Oral Health, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Michael Alade; Abiola Adeniyi; Maha El Tantawi; Tracy L. FinlaysonBackground To determine the association between developmental dental anomalies (DDA), early childhood caries (ECC) and oral hygiene status of 3–5-year-old children resident in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We analyzed data for 3–5-year-olds extracted from the dataset of a household survey collected to determine the association between ECC and maternal psychosocial wellbeing in children 0–5-year-old. The outcome variables for the study were ECC and poor oral hygiene. The explanatory variable was the presence of developmental dental anomalies (supernumerary, supplemental, mesiodens, hypodontia, macrodontia, microdontia, peg-shaped lateral, dens evaginatus, dens invaginatus, talons cusp, fusion/germination, hypoplasia, hypomineralized second molar, fluorosis, amelogenesis imperfecta). The prevalence of each anomaly was determined. Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between presence of developmental dental anomalies, ECC and oral hygiene status. The model was adjusted for sex, age and socioeconomic status. Results Of the 918 children examined, 75 (8.2%) had developmental dental anomalies, 43 (4.7%) had ECC, and 38 (4.1%) had poor oral hygiene. The most prevalent developmental dental anomalies was enamel hypoplasia (3.9%). Of the 43 children with ECC, 6 (14.0%) had enamel hypoplasia and 3 (7.6%) had hypomineralized second primary molar. There was a significant association between ECC and enamel hypoplasia (p < 0.001) and a borderline association between ECC and hypomineralized second primary molars (p = 0.05). The proportion of children with poor oral hygiene (PR: 2.03; 95% CI: 0.91–4.56; p = 0.09) and ECC (PR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.92–4.46; p = 0.08) who had developmental dental anomalies was twice that of children with good oral hygiene and without ECC respectively, although the differences did not reach statistical significance.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociation between early childhood caries and malnutrition in a sub-urban population in Nigeria.(BMC Pediatrics, 2019) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Olujide Arije; Maha El Tantawi; Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole; Mary Obiyan; Olaniyi Arowolo; Elizabeth O. OziegbeBackground To determine the association between malnutrition and early childhood caries (ECC) in children resident in sub-urban, Nigeria. Methods This study was a subset of a larger cross-sectional study the data of which was generated through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study’s explanatory variable was malnutrition (underweight, overweight, wasting and stunting) and the outcome variable was ECC. Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the association between ECC and malnutrition. Variables (sex, frequency of sugar consumption, maternal knowledge of oral hygiene, oral hygiene status) associated with ECC in the primary study were adjusted for to obtain the adjusted prevalence ratio (APR). Results Of the 370 children, 20 (5.41%) were underweight, 20 (5.41%) were overweight, 67 (18.11%) were wasting, 120 (32.43%) were stunted and 18 (4.86%) had ECC. Factors associated with ECC were being stunted, underweight, overweight and fair oral hygiene. The prevalence of ECC was lower in children who were stunted (APR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03–0.69; p = 0.02), almost seven times higher in children who were overweight (APR: 6.88; 95% CI: 1.83–25.85; p < 0.001), and predictively absent in children who were underweight (APR: 0; 95% CI: 0–0; p < 0.001) when compared with children who had normal weight. Non-significant risk indicators for ECC included consuming sugar between meals three times a day or more, having low socioeconomic status and being female.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociation between malocclusion, caries and oral hygiene in children 6 to 12 years old resident in suburban Nigeria(BMC Oral Health, 2019) Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole; Morenike Oluwatoyin FolayanBackground: There are conflicting opinions about the contribution of malocclusions to the development of dental caries and periodontal disease. This study’s aim was to determine the association between specific malocclusion traits, caries, oral hygiene and periodontal health for children 6 to 12 years old. Methods: The study was a household survey. The presence of malocclusion traits was assessed in 495 participants. The caries status and severity were assessed with the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index and the pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess (pufa/PUFA) index. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Gingival Index (GI) were used to assess periodontal health. The association between malocclusion traits, the presence of caries, poor oral hygiene, and poor gingival health were determined with chi square and logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was inferred at p < 0.05. Results: Seventy-four (14.9%) study participants had caries, with mean (SD) dmft/DMFT scores of 0.27 (0.82) and 0.07 (0.39), respectively, and mean (SD) pufa/PUFA index scores of 0.09 (0.43) and 0.02 (0.20), respectively. The mean (SD) OHI-S score was 1.56 (0.74) and mean (SD) GI score was 0.90 (0.43). Dental Aesthetic Index scores ranged from 13 to 48 with a mean (SD) score of 20.7 (4.57). Significantly greater proportions of participants with crowding (p = 0.026) and buccal crossbite (p = 0.009) had caries. Significantly more children with increased overjet (p = 0.003) and anterior open bite (p = 0.008) had moderate to severe gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene (OR: 1.83; CI: 1.05–3.18 p = 0.033), crowding (OR: 1.97; CI: 1.01–3.49; p = 0.021) and buccal crossbite (OR: 6.57; CI: 1.51–28.51 p = 0.012) significantly increased the odds of having caries. Poor oral hygiene (p < 0.001), increased overjet (p = 0.003), and anterior open bite (p = 0.014) were the only significant traits associated with gingivitis.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociation between maternal socioeconomic factors, decision‐making status, and dental utilization by children with early childhood caries in sub‐urban Nigeria(American Association of Public Health Dentistry, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Micheal Alade; Abiola Adeniyi; Maha El Tantawi; Tracy L. FinlaysonAbstractAimTo determine the association between maternal education, income, and decision‐making status and the presence of early childhood caries (ECC) and dental‐service utilization among young children.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was based on data from a household survey of 1,549 mother‐preschool‐aged‐child dyads conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area, Nigeria. The explanatory variables were maternal education, income, and decision‐making status (related to healthcare, large household purchases, and visits to family/relatives). Outcome variables were the presence of ECC and the child's history of dental‐service utilization. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with outcomes; the models were adjusted for maternal age, child's socioeconomic status, oral hygiene status, and frequency of sugar consumption.ResultsThe study recruited 1,549 mother–child dyads, of which 66 (4.3 percent) children had ECC, and 90 (5.9 percent) children had a history of dental‐service utilization. Fewer than half (42.3 percent) of the mothers earned between N18,001($49.00) and 60,000 ($168.00) per month. Also, 896 (57.8 percent) reported not making any independent decisions, 152 (9.8 percent) made one of three decisions independently, and 313 (20.2 percent) made two or three decisions independently. In the adjusted model, children of mothers with monthly income higher than N60,000 were more likely to have used dental services than were those whose mother's monthly income was less than or equal to N18,000 (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.30–4.02; P = 0.004). No other maternal factor was associated with ECC.ConclusionsAlthough maternal socioeconomic factors and decision‐making abilities were not associated with ECC prevalence, more preschool children whose mothers had high income used dental services.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociation between water, sanitation, general hygiene and oral hygiene practices of street-involved young people in Southwest Nigeria(BMC Oral Health, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Mary O. Obiyan; Atinuke O. OlaleyeAbstract Background Oral hygiene practices can be linked to personal hygiene practices, including access to water and other sanitation facilities. The objective of the study was to determine if there is an association between oral hygiene practices and water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) practices among street-involved young people (SIYP). Methods A cross-sectional study recruited SIYP age 10–24 years in two States in Nigeria recruited through respondent-driven sampling in December 2018. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on water access, sanitation, personal and oral hygiene. The instruments used for collecting the data were standardized tools for measuring the phenomena studied. The association between knowledge and practice of oral hygiene; oral hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and indicators of good oral hygiene were determined using binary logistic regression guided by two models. Results A total of 845 study participants were recruited. The proportion of SIYP with good knowledge of oral hygiene was low (31.2%), and fewer had good oral hygiene practice (8.9%). There were significant associations between knowledge and practice of tooth cleaning, use of fluoride-containing toothpaste, dental flossing, consumption of sugar between meals, and frequency of dental check-ups (p < 0.001 respectively). Respondents with good water collection and storage practices (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.24–3.24; P = 0.005) and those residing in Lagos (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.61–5.06; P = 0.001) had a higher likelihood of having good oral hygiene. Conclusion Good oral hygiene practices of SIYP in Nigeria is associated with access to water collection and storage. WASH programs can have an impact on health through improved oral hygiene practices.
- ItemOpen AccessAssociations between a history of sexual abuse and dental anxiety, caries experience and oral hygiene status among adolescents in sub-urban South West Nigeria(BMC Oral Health, 2021) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Maha El Tantawi; Nourhan M. Aly; Abiola Adetokunbo Adeniyi; Elizabeth Oziegbe; Olaniyi Arowolo; Michael Alade; Boladale Mapayi; Nneka Maureen Chukwumah; Olakunle Oginni; Nadia A. Sam-AguduAbstract Introduction: Sexual and oral health are important areas of focus for adolescent wellbeing. We assessed for the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents, oral health factors associated with this history, and investigated whether sexual abuse was a risk indicator for dental anxiety, caries experience and poor oral hygiene. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between December 2018 and January 2019 among adolescents 10–19 years old in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Survey data collected included respondents’ age, sex, and socioeconomic status, oral health risk factors (dental anxiety, frequency of tooth brushing intake of refined carbohydrates in between meals, fossing, dental visits, smoking, alcohol intake, use of psychoactive substances), caries experience, oral hygiene status, history of sexual abuse, and sexual risk behaviors (age of sexual debut, history of transactional sex, last sexual act with or without condom, multiple sex partners). Regression models were constructed to determine the association between outcome variables (dental anxiety, presence of caries experience and poor oral hygiene) and explanatory variables (oral health risk factors and history of sexual abuse). Results: The prevalence of sexual abuse in our cohort was 5.9%: 4.3% among males and 7.9% among females. A history of sexual abuse was associated with alcohol consumption (p=0.009), cigarette smoking (p=0.001), and a history of transactional sex (p=0.01). High/severe dental anxiety was significantly associated with increased odds of a history of sexual abuse (AOR=1.81; 95% CI 1.10, 2.98), but not with caries experience (AOR=0.66; 95% CI 0.15, 2.97) nor poor oral hygiene (AOR=1.68; 95% CI 0.95, 2.96). Dental anxiety was associated with increased odds of alcohol intake (AOR=1.74; 95% CI 1.19, 2.56), twice daily tooth brushing (AOR=1.48; 95% CI 1.01, 2.17) and daily consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals (AOR=2.01; 95% CI 1.60, 2.54). Caries experience was associated with increased odds of using psychoactive substances (AOR=4.83; 95% CI 1.49, 15.62) and having low socioeconomic status (AOR=0.40; 95% CI 0.18, 0.92). Poor oral hygiene was associated with increased odds of having middle socio‑economic status (AOR=1.43; 95% CI 1.05, 1.93) and daily consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals (AOR=1.38; 95% CI 1.08, 1.78).
- ItemOpen AccessAssociations between psychological wellbeing, depression, general anxiety, perceived social support, tooth brushing frequency and oral ulcers among adults resident in Nigeria during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic(BMC Oral Health, 2021) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Olanrewaju Ibikunle Ibigbami; Ibidunni Olapeju Oloniniyi; Olakunle Oginni; Olutayo AlobaIntroduction: The aims of this study were to determine the associations between psychological wellbeing, and the frequency of tooth brushing and presence of oral ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to identify the medi ating roles of psychological distress (general anxiety and depression) and perceived social support in the paths of observed associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 996 adults in Nigeria between June and August 2020. Data collected through an online survey included outcome variables (decreased frequency of tooth brushing and presence of oral ulcers), explanatory variable (psychological wellbeing), mediators (general anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms and perceived social support) and confounders (age, sex at birth, educational and employment status). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the risk indicators for the outcome variables. A path analysis was conducted to identify the indirect efect of mediators on the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. Results: Of the 966 respondents, 96 (9.9%) reported decreased tooth-brushing frequency and 129 (13.4%) had oral ulcers during the pandemic. The odds of decreased tooth-brushing during the pandemic decreased as the psychological wellbeing increased (AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.83–0.91; p<0.001) and as generalized anxiety symptoms increased (AOR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.98; p=0.009). The odds of having an oral ulcer was higher as the generalized anxiety symptoms increased (AOR: 1.15; 95% CI: 01.08–1.21; p<0.001). Only generalized anxiety (indirect efect: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.04; P=0.014) signifcantly mediated the relationship between wellbeing and tooth-brushing accounting for approximately 12% of the total efect of wellbeing on decreased toothbrushing. Generalized anxiety (indirect effect 0.05; 95% CI: −0.07–0.03; P<0.001) also signifcantly mediated the relationship between wellbeing and presence of oral ulcer accounting for 70% of the total efect of wellbeing on presence of oral ulcer. Depressive symptoms and perceived social support did not significantly mediate the associations between psychological wellbeing, decreased frequency of tooth brushing and the presence of oral ulcers. Conclusion: Patients who come into the dental clinic with poor oral hygiene or oral ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic may benefit from screening for generalized anxiety and psychological wellbeing to identify those who will benefit from interventions for mental health challenges.
- ItemOpen AccessDecarbonization of Transport and Oral Health(BioMed., 2023) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Maha El TantawiThe decarbonization of transport is a global initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the risks of global warming. This article explores the potential connections between the decarbonization of transport and oral health, highlighting the need for further research in this area. Emissions from vehicle exhausts, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, may have a modest impact on the risk of early childhood caries and other oral health diseases like periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and dental caries. Active transportation, which promotes regular exercise, has beneficial effects on overall health, including stimulating salivary protein production and reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, both of which are linked to poor oral health. Transitioning to electric vehicles can also reduce noise pollution, positively impacting mental well-being, which is associated with improved oral hygiene practices. Furthermore, the development of sustainable infrastructure, including efficient public transportation systems, can enhance access to dental services. Further research is needed to establish stronger evidence for these connections and to explore how the global decarbonization of transport agenda can incorporate oral health considerations.
- ItemOpen AccessDigit Sucking Habit and Association with Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children Aged 6 Months to 12 Years Resident in Semi-Urban Nigeria(Cross Mark, 2016-02-18) Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole; Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Hakeem Olatunde Agbaje; Titus Ayodeji Oyedele; Elizabeth Obhioneh Oziegbe; Nneka Kate Onyejaka; Nneka Maureen Chukwumah; Olusegun Victor Oshomoji; Gururaj ArakeriObjectives Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a common behavior in childhood. The association between digit sucking, dental caries and oral health has been studied within conclusive results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of, and the association between digit sucking, caries and oral hygiene status of children age six months to 12years, resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods Across-sectional study was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. Data were collected through a household survey using a multi-stages sampling procedure from children between six months and 12years. Details of each child’s socio-demographic characteristics, digit sucking habits, caries status and oral health status were collected. The association between it sucking ,caries status and oral hygiene status was determined using Chi square and Logistic regression. Results Themeanageofthe992studyparticipantswas5.8±(3.2)years. The prevalence of digit sucking, caries andpoororalhygienewere7.2%,10.5%and2.4%respectively.Themean dmftscorewas0.22±(0.80),meanDMFTscorewas0.04±(0.30)while mean Oral Hygiene Indexscorewas1.27 ±(0.73). Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR:1.28; CI:0.58–2.81)but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR:0.58;CI:0.34– 1.01) insignificantly
- ItemOpen AccessGlobal Impact of COVID-19 on Service Delivery and Vulnerable Populations’ Access to Dental Care(Taylor and Francis, 2020) Francisco Ramos-Gomez; Thomas Gerhard Wolf; Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Marcela Diaz-Betancourt; Gyanendra Kumar; Margherita Fontana; Guglielmo CampusCOVID-19 is most commonly spread through aerosol droplets and contact with infected individuals and contaminated surfaces. The nature of how this virus is spread will affect the practice of dentistry for the foreseeable future. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the global impact of COVID-19 on dental professionals as well as highlight the barriers and challenges of global access to oral health care during the pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations.
- ItemOpen AccessMENTAL HEALTH AND COPING CONTINGENCIES AMONG ADULTS RESIDING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS(International Journal of Health and Psychology Research, 2021) Joanne Lusher; Maher Rashwan Attaallah Mohamed; Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Roberta Ariel Abeldaro Zuñiga; Maha El Tantawi1,6; Ntombifuthi P Nzimande; Passent Ellakany; Anthonia Omotola Ishabiyi; Giuliana Florenica Abeldaño; Ala’a B Al-Tammem; Olubukola Popoola; Muhammad Abrar YousafRestrictions on movement and basic human rights can inevitably cause a negative impact on the mental health of individuals worldwide. This could become particularly apparent in the UK where the government placed firm restrictions on the movement and freedom of the public in response to COVID-19. This study aimed to determine associations between mental health and strategies adopted by residents to cope with lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-reported data were collected from 647 adults through an online survey. Results revealed that over 20% of participants reported symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that participants reporting use of positive coping strategies (for example spending time meditating and with pet companions) had significantly lower odds of experiencing symptoms of PTSD; whereas thosewho spent time social distancing by communicating with others online and exercising at home showed increased odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms. This study signifies COVID-19 as a major source of mental distress for adults residing in the UK and advocates various methods of coping during such stress-inducing times
- ItemOpen AccessRe: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Mitigating Risk of HIV Transmission During HIV Cure– Related Clinical Trials With a Treatment Interruption(Oxford University Press, 0201) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Bridget Haire; Veronica Noseda
- ItemOpen AccessWomen’s economic empowerment, participation in decision-making and exposure to violence as risk indicators for early childhood caries(BMC Oral Health, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Maha El Tantawi; Ana Vukovic; Robert Schroth; Balgis Gaffar; Ola B. Al-Batayneh; Rosa Amalia; Arheiam Arheiam; Mary Obiyan; Hamideh DaryanavardObjectives In view of the association between early childhood caries (ECC])and maternal social risk factors, this study tried to determine if there were associations between indicators of processes, outputs and outcomes of women’s empowerment, and the prevalence of ECC. Methods In this ecological study, indicators measuring the explanatory variables - economic empowerment, decision-making and violence against women - were selected from the Integrated Results and Resources Framework of the UN-Women Strategic Plan 2018–2021 and WHO database. Indicators measuring the outcome variables - the prevalence of ECC for children aged 0 to 2 years, and 3 to 5 years - were extracted from a published literature. The general linear models used to determine the association between the outcome and explanatory variables were adjusted for economic level of countries. Regression estimates (B), 95% confidence intervals and partial eta squared (η2) were calculated. Results Countries with more females living under 50% of median income had higher prevalence of ECC for 3 to 5-year olds (B = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.12, 3.52). Countries with higher percentage of women participating in their own health care decisions had higher prevalence of ECC for 0 to 2-year-olds (B = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.67). Countries with higher percentage of women participating in decisions related to visiting family, relatives and friends had higher prevalence of ECC for 3 to 5-year-olds (B = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.32). None of the indicators for violence against women was significantly associated with the prevalence of ECC. Conclusion Empowerment of women is a welcome social development that may have some negative impact on children’s oral health. Changes in policies and norms are needed to protect children’s oral health while empowering women.
- ItemOpen AccessWomen’s economic empowerment, participation in decision-making and exposure to violence as risk indicators for early childhood caries(BMC Oral Health, 2020) Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan; Maha El Tantawi; Ana Vukovic; Robert Schroth; Balgis Gaffar; Ola B. Al-Batayneh; Rosa Amalia; Arheiam Arheiam; Mary Obiyan; Hamideh Daryanavard; Early Childhood Caries Advocacy GroupObjectives: In view of the association between early childhood caries (ECC])and maternal social risk factors, this study tried to determine if there were associations between indicators of processes, outputs and outcomes of women’s empowerment, and the prevalence of ECC. Methods: In this ecological study, indicators measuring the explanatory variables - economic empowerment, decision-making and violence against women - were selected from the Integrated Results and Resources Framework of the UN-Women Strategic Plan 2018–2021 and WHO database. Indicators measuring the outcome variables - the prevalence of ECC for children aged 0 to 2 years, and 3 to 5 years - were extracted from a published literature. The general linear models used to determine the association between the outcome and explanatory variables were adjusted for economic level of countries. Regression estimates (B), 95% confidence intervals and partial eta squared (η2 ) were calculated. Results: Countries with more females living under 50% of median income had higher prevalence of ECC for 3 to 5-year olds (B = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.12, 3.52). Countries with higher percentage of women participating in their own health care decisions had higher prevalence of ECC for 0 to 2-year-olds (B = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.67). Countries with higher percentage of women participating in decisions related to visiting family, relatives and friends had higher prevalence of ECC for 3 to 5-year-olds (B = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.32). None of the indicators for violence against women was significantly associated with the prevalence of ECC