Determinants of cariogenic snacking in adolescents in Belfast and Helsinki.
The aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of reported snack consumption in adolescents residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Helsinki, Finland. Ten % random samples of 14-15 yr old Belfast (n = 628) and Helsinki (n = 600) adolescents were obtained. A questionnaire assessed their demography, oral health knowledge, attitudes and the consumption of cariogenic snacks containing non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES). Five hundred and eighty-nine (94%) questionnaires were returned in Belfast and 441 (74%) questionnaires in Helsinki. Belfast adolescents had significantly higher levels of oral health knowledge and higher consumption rates for snacks containing NMES. The Helsinki adolescents had more positive attitudes towards their oral health. Multivariant analysis showed that demography was the most direct determinant of cariogenic snacking. The acquisition of oral health knowledge played a minor role. There is a need to develop tailored and focused programmes to promote healthier snacking regimes in adolescents.
Freeman
R
R
Dental Public Health Research Group, School of Clinical Dentistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. r.freeman@qub.ac.uk
Heimonen
H
H
Speedy
P
P
Tuutti
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003710:Demography; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004037:Diet, Cariogenic; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009660:Northern Ireland; D009909:Oral Health; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D019422:Dietary Sucrose