| 2152 Meal patterns and oral health behaviors of methamphetamine users | ||
|
K. BELL, T.A. MARSHALL, T.A. MORGAN, and F. QIAN, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA We have previously reported an increased incidence of tooth decay and greater use of regular pop consumption among methamphetamine (i.e., meth) users. Meth users are also hypothesized to have poor dietary habits and limited oral health care. OBJECTIVE: We compared meal patterns and oral health habits between meth users and nonusers. METHODS: Meth subjects were identified by voluntary disclosure of past meth use on a health history form at the U of Iowa Oral Surgery Clinics. The control group consisted of age-and gender-matched individuals without a history of meth use also attending the clinics. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess dietary habits, oral health behaviors and drug use and completed a standardized oral exam. Descriptive statistics were calculated; and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to test for differences between two groups. RESULTS: Meth users (n=18) and controls (n=18) were 31±6 years old and mostly male (72%). More meth users than nonmeth users had obvious plaque on teeth (94%vs.24%; p<0.001), and more anterior (p=0.001), premolar (p=0.001) and molar teeth with decay (p=0.023). Compared to nonmeth users, meth users were more likely go without eating on 1 or more days per week (100%vs.6%; p<0.001), and less likely to have a typical breakfast (17%vs.56%; p=0.035), lunch (6%vs.83%; p<0.001) or dinner (24%vs.83%; p<0.001). Meth users were also more likely to snack without meals on 1 or more days per week than nonmeth users (89%vs44%; p<0.026). Nonmeth users were more likely to brush their teeth 2 or more time daily (50%vs.6%; p<0.001) while meth users were more likely to never brush (39vs.0%; p<0.001). Meth users were more likely to never floss than nonmeth users (67%vs.28%; p=0.083). CONCLUSION: Irregular meal patterns and poor oral hygiene habits likely contribute to caries risk in meth users. Supported by Grant T32 DEO14678-04.
| ||
| Seq #226 - Nutrition Posters 3:30 PM-4:45 PM, Friday, March 23, 2007 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Exhibit Hall I2-J | ||
|
Back to the Nutrition Program
| ||