BMC Oral Health
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2012

Oral health status and the epidemiologic paradox within latino immigrant groups (Article) (Open Access)

Spolsky V.W.* , Marcus M. , Der-Martirosian C. , Coulter I.D. , Maida C.A.
  • a Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
  • b Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
  • c Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
  • d Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States
  • e Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, United States

Abstract

Background: According to the United States census, there are 28 categories that define " Hispanic/Latinos." This paper compares differences in oral health status between Mexican immigrants and other Latino immigrant groups.Methods: Derived from a community-based sample (N = 240) in Los Angeles, this cross-sectional study uses an interview covering demographic and behavioral measures, and an intraoral examination using NIDCR epidemiologic criteria. Descriptive, bivariate analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted to examine the determinants that are associated with the Oral Health Status Index (OHSI).Results: Mexican immigrants had a significantly higher OHSI (p < .05) compared to other Latinos. The multilinear regression showed that both age and gender (p < .05), percentage of untreated decayed teeth (p < .001), number of replaced missing teeth (p < .001), and attachment loss (p < .001) were significant.Conclusions: Compared with the other Latino immigrants in our sample, Mexican immigrants have significantly better oral health status. This confirms the epidemiologic paradox previously found in comparisons of Mexicans with whites and African Americans. In this case of oral health status the paradox also occurs between Mexicans and other Latinos. Therefore, when conducting oral health studies of Latinos, more consideration needs to be given to differences within Latino subgroups, such as their country of origin and their unique ethnic and cultural characteristics. © 2012 Spolsky et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Oral Health Status Index Latinos Epidemiologic paradox

Index Keywords

tooth disease educational status Alcohol Drinking drinking behavior Oral Health human Periodontal Diseases Health Behavior epidemiology statistics sex difference DMF index Oral Hygiene comparative study health status periodontal disease mouth hygiene Tooth Loss Epidemiologic Studies Periodontal Attachment Loss Hispanic Americans Cross-Sectional Studies health United States income Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans Hispanic smoking Adolescent male female Tooth Diseases Dental Prosthesis tooth prosthesis Article adult age Sex Factors Age Factors Los Angeles dental device Dental Devices, Home Care Mexican Americans health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84865832663&doi=10.1186%2f1472-6831-12-39&partnerID=40&md5=c8d7f28f8c968b0ce0e11bd77527d584
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6831-12-39
ISSN: 14726831
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English