OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether child-related and parent-related characteristics were associated differently with oral health-related lifestyle among boys and girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 5th and 6th graders and their parents in Pori, Finland. There were 1691 children ranging in age between 11 and 12 years. The data were gathered by questionnaires. For the analyses, we grouped children and parents within three lifestyle groups: favorable, moderate and poor. Differences in child-related and/or parent-related characteristics between boys and girls were analyzed with logistic regression analyses; those with a favorable lifestyle comprised the healthy lifestyle group, and those with a moderate or poor lifestyle the unhealthy lifestyle group. RESULTS: Oral health-related lifestyle was healthy more often among girls than among boys. In both genders, those who considered toothbrushing important for pleasing authorities more often had a healthy lifestyle. Girls who considered toothbrushing important for health and appearance were more likely to have a healthy lifestyle than those who did not. The effect of parents' oral health-related lifestyle was slightly stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, however, high occupational level of father was indicative of healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Among girls and boys, there are similarities and differences in factors related to oral health-related lifestyle. The parents' model is important for both, but the effect is stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, attitudes on health and appearance are positively associated with a health-related lifestyle.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether child-related and parent-related characteristics were associated differently with oral health-related lifestyle among boys and girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 5th and 6th graders and their parents in Pori, Finland. There were 1691 children ranging in age between 11 and 12 years. The data were gathered by questionnaires. For the analyses, we grouped children and parents within three lifestyle groups: favorable, moderate and poor. Differences in child-related and/or parent-related characteristics between boys and girls were analyzed with logistic regression analyses; those with a favorable lifestyle comprised the healthy lifestyle group, and those with a moderate or poor lifestyle the unhealthy lifestyle group. RESULTS: Oral health-related lifestyle was healthy more often among girls than among boys. In both genders, those who considered toothbrushing important for pleasing authorities more often had a healthy lifestyle. Girls who considered toothbrushing important for health and appearance were more likely to have a healthy lifestyle than those who did not. The effect of parents' oral health-related lifestyle was slightly stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, however, high occupational level of father was indicative of healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Among girls and boys, there are similarities and differences in factors related to oral health-related lifestyle. The parents' model is important for both, but the effect is stronger among boys than among girls. Among girls, attitudes on health and appearance are positively associated with a health-related lifestyle.
Authors: Terrence Batliner; Anne R Wilson; Tamanna Tiwari; Deborah Glueck; William Henderson; Jacob Thomas; Patricia Braun; Diana Cudeii; David Quissell; Judith Albino Journal: J Public Health Dent Date: 2014-06-23 Impact factor: 1.821
Authors: Tamanna Tiwari; David O Quissell; William G Henderson; Jacob F Thomas; Lucinda L Bryant; Patricia A Braun; Judith E Albino Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2014-09-01