Socioeconomic Inequality

Higher CTNI was associated with multiple markers of socio-economic disadvantage. Smaller reductions in healthcare utilisation among First Nations did not mean access improved. Municipality remained significant in most models after adjustment, indicating persistent spatial structural inequality. Pre-pandemic disparities reflected structural inequities affecting chronic disease, complications, preventive care access, and emergency department reliance. The article frames dental caries as socially distributed rather than only biological. Poor households have fewer educational opportunities and restricted access to health information. Health facilities are concentrated in wealthier areas, while service quality is lower in underserved communities. COVID-19 restrictions amplified structural access barriers already affecting First Nations healthcare access. Adolescents in the poorest wealth quintile faced higher odds of HPV vaccine non-uptake. Transportation costs can deter HPV vaccine uptake even when vaccines are free or subsidised.