RESUMO
This pilot study investigated the relationship between sugar consumption/ preference and the length of residence in the U.S. among certain immigrant groups. The study sample consisted of 213 volunteers from community organizations and church groups, of Nigerian (45%), Mexican (31%), and Chinese (24%) descent. Data were collected on demographics, sugar consumption/preference (24-hour dietary recall), and oral health status. The age of respondents varied from 18 to 93 years with a mean age of 37.0 ± 11.7 years. The mean length of residence was 9.2 ± 7.2 years, and the mean sugar consumption was 122.4 ± 114.6 g/day. Immigrants from Mexico and Nigeria reported consuming more servings of sweets per day than the Chinese (p= .006); Mexican immigrants had the highest level of sugar preference (p= .001). No significant differences were observed between the length of residence and either sugar consumption or sugar preference. Greater availability of sugar and sweet snacks does not always result in increased sugar consumption or sugar preference.
Assuntos
Sacarose Alimentar/administração & dosagem , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Preferências Alimentares/etnologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , China/etnologia , Índice CPO , Assistência Odontológica/estatística & dados numéricos , Carboidratos da Dieta/administração & dosagem , Fibras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Escolaridade , Ingestão de Energia , Comportamento Alimentar/etnologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estado Civil/etnologia , México/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Nigéria/etnologia , Projetos Piloto , Classe Social , Texas , Fatores de Tempo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The study assessed the knowledge and clinical practices of Texas-Mexico border dentists in oral cancer prevention and early detection. METHODS: A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all 398 dentists registered to practice along the Texas-Mexico border. RESULTS: Inadequacies and ambivalence in respondents' oral cancer knowledge and practices were evident. Performance of oral cancer examinations was associated with positive perception of undergraduate oral cancer training (P =.02). Most respondents (81%) were interested in oral cancer continuing education (CE). CONCLUSIONS: More emphasis on oral cancer training for dental students as well as provision of oral cancer CE to respondents are recommended.