Acculturation is a complex phenomenon that can serve as a proxy for cultural norms and behaviors affecting care-seeking, prevention behaviors, and, ultimately, health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of acculturation on the oral health of Haitian immigrants in New York City. We hypothesized that acculturation would be a predictor of the oral health status of the participating individuals. An acculturation scale was specifically developed and validated for this study. A sample of 425 adult Haitian immigrants living in NYC was obtained through outreach activities. Oral health examinations were conducted, and a questionnaire was administered to the participants. After adjustment for age, sex, education, income, and marital status, acculturation was negatively associated with measures of decayed teeth, periodontal attachment loss of ≥ 4 mm, and the number of missing teeth. Results suggest a positive impact of acculturation on the oral health status of these individuals.

Oral health immigrants Acculturation

educational status regression analysis Oral Health nonparametric test Statistics, Nonparametric human Health Behavior sex difference middle aged DMF index Periodontal Pocket Marital Status health status periodontal disease periodontitis Tooth Loss Periodontal Attachment Loss ethnology marriage Haiti income United States health Humans classification male Acculturation female reproducibility Reproducibility of Results dental caries cultural factor Article adult migration age New York City Sex Factors Age Factors Emigration and Immigration health survey