Adolescents' knowledge of common foods and drinks and the importance of the pattern of consumption: a study undertaken in an area of high dental needs.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the knowledge of adolescents concerning the cariogenic status of a range of foods and drinks. To determine the associations between this knowledge and their awareness of the importance of the ways sugars may be consumed in order to reduce tooth decay.


METHODS
Self-complete questionnaires assessing the above factors in a cross sectional study.


METHODS
Four hundred and fifteen 14-15-year-old young people attending second level schools.


METHODS
North and West Belfast area, Northern Ireland.


METHODS
Students rated the dental safety of common foods and drinks, and their views on the necessity of reducing all sugars, and avoiding them between meals were recorded.


RESULTS
Correct assessment of harmful items ranged from 96.9% for chocolate and 92.8% for cola to 39.0% for orange squash and 17.8% for plain biscuits. For non-harmful products there were high levels for most items and somewhat lower levels for crisps (57.6%). Significant links were established between this knowledge and children's awareness of the role of eating patterns, although the items involved varied. A majority recognised the importance of eating patterns in relation to dental caries.


CONCLUSIONS
Health educators should be aware that many adolescents have poor knowledge of the cariogenic status of some of the foods and drinks they consume and some are unsure of the importance of eating patterns.
Kinirons
M J
MJ
Division of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, Belfast, UK.
Stewart
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002099:Cacao / Q000009:adverse effects; D002182:Candy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates