title: Analysis of caries status development in relation to socio-economic variables using a case-based system.
abstract: The aim of this study was to detect, using case-based reasoning (CBR) induction methods in time series analysis, how measurable socio-economical adjustments were related to the caries status development. The study concerned the year classes leaving the organised dental care for the time period 1987-95, and had received dental care at the Public Dental Service of Göteborg. The results, as presented by a caries incidence index, indicated that at least one socioeconomical factor, individuals seeking employment, was of importance for the caries status development, a factor with an increase of considerable proportions since 1990. The findings indicated that the other socio-economic variables used did not have the same importance for the caries status development. One feasible explanation is that these factors reflect more upon the social family situation than the economical. If the caries status reflects the social situation of the individual more than the economical, this argument will elucidate the reasoning. Using CBR for the analysis of relationships between oral disease and parameters possibly influencing health development has proven to be a valuable tool and complement to more traditional statistical methods. The analysis can make relationships explicit through the hierarchic knowledge trees and also show redundant information, attributes not appearing in the trees.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Odontology, and Public Dental Service, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Swedberg
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Norén
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004651:Employment; D005103:Expert Systems; D005190:Family; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007182:Income; D008875:Middle Aged; D011632:Public Assistance; D012923:Social Class; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018881:Suburban Health; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health