NIHR ARC Wessex Statistical Analysis Internship Award

This project aims to explore the relationship between multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) and oral health in adults living in South England. Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic health conditions, is common, particularly among those from disadvantaged groups. While prior research has established connections between individual chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease and oral health issues such as tooth loss or periodontal disease, there is a gap in understanding how oral health relates to having multiple co-existing conditions. The study will use data from the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, analysing patient records to identify associations between MLTC and oral health, common risk factors, and potential shared etiological pathways. The research also aims to track how oral health may influence the progression from single to multiple long-term conditions over time, using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.