Despite advancements in the treatment of childhood leukemia, socioeconomic status (SES) may potentially affect disease prognosis. This study aims to evaluate whether SES is associated with survival from childhood leukemia. The US National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) 1973–2010 data were analyzed; thereafter, results were meta-analyzed along with those from survival (cohort) studies examining the association between SES indices and survival from childhood leukemia (end-of-search date: 31 March 2014). Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect estimates (relative risks, RRs); meta-regression was also used. We included 29 studies yielding 28 804 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 3208 acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and 27 650 ‘any’ leukemia (denoting joint reporting of all subtypes) cases. According to individual-level composite SES indices, children from low SES suffered from nearly twofold higher death rates from ALL (pooled RR: 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.00–3.34, based on four study arms); likewise, death RRs derived from an array of lower area-level SES indices ranged between 1.17 and 1.33 (based on 11 study arms). Importantly, the survival gap between higher and lower SES seemed wider in the United States, with considerably (by 20%–82%) increased RRs for death from ALL in lower SES. Regarding AML, poorer survival was evident only when area-level SES indices were used. Lastly, remoteness indices were not associated with survival from childhood leukemia. Children with lower SES suffering childhood leukemia do not seem to equally enjoy the impressive recent survival gains. Special health policy strategies and increased awareness of health providers might minimize the effects of socioeconomic disparities.

Background. Recent studies have shown that gingivitis and periodontal infection during pregnancy represent an independent risk factor for pre‐term birth. However, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of dental attendance during pregnancy. Methods. During the first 3 days postpartum, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to 425 women in order to explore their dental condition and utilisation of dental health services during pregnancy, as well as their perceptions on the potential associations between dental care during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Results. Almost half of the respondents (46.8%) reported symptoms of gingivitis during their pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis was independently associated with non‐Greek ethnicity (p = 0.008), multiparity versus primiparity (p<0.005), lower economic class versus middle and upper classes (p = 0.001), and the lack of routine primary dental care (p = 0.005). Some 27.3% reported a visit to the dentist during their pregnancy. The majority (72.2%) believed that dental treatment during pregnancy might have a negative affect on pregnancy outcome. The presence of pregnancy gingivitis and the belief that dental treatment during pregnancy is safe were both independently associated with visiting a dentist during pregnancy (p<0.0005 for both). Conclusions. Despite the increased prevalence of dental problems among pregnant women, few women seek dental services in this population, which can be primarily attributed to women's erroneous beliefs regarding the safety of dental examination. Therefore, there is an imperative need to offer oral health education and develop preventive programs for women of reproductive age.