National survey on edentulism and its geographic distribution, among Mexicans 18 years of age and older (with emphasis in WHO age groups)

To determine the prevalence of edentulism in adults aged 18 years and older in Mexico and to describe its distribution in 20 of the 32 States in Mexico, highlighting the experience in the WHO age groups. A secondary analysis of the National Performance Evaluation Survey 2002 2003 (representative at the state level and part of the Word Health Survey) was undertaken. The sample design was probabilistic, stratified and through conglomerates. Data on dental conditions were available only for 20 of the 32 states of Mexico, leading to a total of 24 159 households (N = 54 638 654). The percentage of edentulism was determined as the proportion of subjects that self-reported complete loss of teeth. Data were analyzed using the SVY module for complex surveys in STATA 8Æ2_. The mean age was 41Æ3 _ 17Æ0 years (range 18 99). An estimated 6Æ3% (N = 3 437 816) of the population 18 years was edentulous. Lowest prevalences were observed in the states of Tlaxcala, Puebla and the Estado de Mexico with 3Æ4%, 3Æ8% and 4Æ5%, respectively. Highest prevalences were observed in San Luis Potos?, Colima, and Michoacan with 10Æ3%, 10Æ2% and 10Æ1%, respectively. Following the WHO age groups, the prevalence ranged from 2Æ4% in the 35 44 group through 25Æ5% in the 65 74 group. No obvious association between socio-economic and socio-demographic indicators at the state level and prevalence of edentulism was found. The prevalence of complete tooth loss observed in the present study varied greatly across states, although no straightforward association was found with socio-economic and socio-demographic indicators at the state level. This study could serve as a baseline to enable future evaluations of the oral status of Mexican adults and elders, following WHO age groups.