title: Immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. This study assessed immigrant-native differences in oral health behaviors of urban mothers and their children.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the baseline data of an oral health promotion program to examine the immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from mothers in urban area, Taiwan. A total of 150 immigrant and 440 native mothers completed the self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models analyzed the racial differences in oral health behaviors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 37% of immigrant mothers used dental floss, 25% used fluoride toothpaste, and only 13.5% of them regularly visited a dentist. Less that 40% of immigrant mothers brush their children's teeth before aged one year, 45% replaced child's toothbrush within 3 months, and only half of the mothers regularly took their child to the dentist. Immigrant mothers had lower level of caries-related knowledge and attitudes than native mothers (p < .001). Compared to native group, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss ([Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.35], fluoride toothpaste (aOR = 0.29), visit a dentist in the past 2 years (aOR = 0.26), and take their children to regular dental check-up (aOR = 0.38); whereas, they were more likely to not consume sweeten beverages (aOR = 3.13).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The level of caries-related knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors were found lower in immigrant mothers than native ones. The findings suggested cross-cultural caries prevention programs aimed at reducing immigrant-native disparities in child oral health care must be developed for these immigrant minorities.
authors.forename: Chih-Chang
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shang-Jyh
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chiou
authors.forename: Chun-Chan
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Ting
authors.forename: Ying-Chun
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chih-Cheng
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Fu-Li
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chien-Hung
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chin-Shun
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Ya-Ying
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. hhuang@kmu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Hsiao-Ling
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001628:Beverages; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004522:Educational Status; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D004651:Employment; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009909:Oral Health; D013624:Taiwan; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides