Latino Acculturation and Periodontitis Status Among Mexican-Origin Adults in the United States: NHANES 2009-2012

Fam Community Health. 2017 Apr/Jun;40(2):112-120. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000142.

Abstract

This study examined the association between Latino acculturation indicators (language and citizenship/nativity status) and periodontitis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2012. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed and all analyses were adjusted for the complex survey design. Results showed that 63.2% of participants had periodontitis: 9.4% mild, 37.9% moderate, and 16% severe. Language was significantly associated with periodontitis after adjusting for age, educational level, gender, usual source of care, flossing, smoking, and glycohemoglobin level (P = .02). Dental public and private health efforts should implement culturally tailored oral health promotion education efforts for this population.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodontitis / therapy*
  • United States