title: Dietary habits of the primary to secondary school population and implications for oral health.
abstract: Surveys have shown increases in dental caries in young persons in Kuwait. Intake of sugar and carbohydrates has increased, as has the incidence of obesity. The objective of this study was to identify dietary practices and the potential for dental disease in primary, intermediate, and secondary school students in a health region. A random sample of 600 students aged 8, 13, and 17 yrs in 12 schools (6 boys' schools and 6 girls' schools) received a questionnaire. Responses were analyzed by age group, gender, and dietary practices at home and in school. The dietary composition of meals tended to be similar at all ages and in both genders. A total of 97% of 8-yr-old, 96% of 13-yr-old, and 92% of 17-yr-old students reported snacking at school. Sugar intake from identified snacks alone was calculated as 193.8 g/day or the estimated equivalent of 746 calories, and daily fat intake was 70.17 g. A total of 88.6% of respondents (56.6% of all children) used fluoridated toothpaste; 44.4% of all children (22.6% of 8-yr-old, 14.1% of 13-yr-old, and 7.7% of 17-yr-old students) reported brushing their teeth three times per day. Use of school snacks increased with age, while use of a toothbrush decreased. Fundamental oral hygiene procedures such as brushing and use of fluoridated toothpaste appear to have been implemented. Health workers need to provide new and pertinent oral health messages, nutrition counseling, attention to diet, and reinforcement with parents, food preparers, health facilities, and intermediate and secondary schools.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral & Dental Health, College of Health Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, Kuwait. jansari@paaet.edu.kw
authors.forename: Jassem M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Al-Ansari
authors.forename: Laila Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Al-Jairan
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Gillespie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D012572:School Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose