Use Of Table Salt Research Articles

Effects of Health Education Aimed at Continued Reduction of Table Salt Use in Households

Effects of Health Education Aimed at Continued Reduction of Table Salt Use in Households

Low-Salt Intake Suggestions in Hypertensive Patients Do not Jeopardize Urinary Iodine Excretion.

A low-sodium diet is an essential part of the treatment of hypertension. However, some concerns have been raised with regard to the possible reduction of iodine intake during salt restriction. We obtained 24-h urine collections for the evaluation of iodine (UIE) and sodium excretion (UNaV) from 136 hypertensive patients, before and after 9 ± 1 weeks of a simple low-sodium diet. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and drug consumption (DDD) were recorded. Data are average ± SEM. Age was 63.6 ± 1.09 year. BMI was 25.86 ± 0.40 kg/m2 before the diet and 25.38 ± 0.37 kg/m2 after the diet (p < 0.05). UNaV decreased from 150.3 ± 4.01 mEq/24-h to 122.8 ± 3.92 mEq/24-h (p < 0.001); UIE decreased from 186.1 ± 7.95 µg/24-h to 175.0 ± 7.74 µg/24-h (p = NS); both systolic and diastolic BP values decreased (by 6.15 ± 1.32 mmHg and by 3.75 ± 0.84 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.001); DDD decreased (ΔDDD 0.29 ± 0.06, p < 0.05). UNaV and UIE were related both before (r = 0.246, p = 0.0040) and after the diet (r = 0.238, p = 0.0050). UNaV and UIE were significantly associated both before and after the diet (p < 0.0001 for both). After salt restriction UIE showed a non-significant decrease remaining in an adequate range. Our dietary suggestions were aimed at avoiding preserved foods, whereas the cautious use of table salt was permitted, an approach which seems safe in terms of iodine intake.

Making salt-reduced products more appealing to consumers: impact of front-of-pack messages on liking and table salt use over time.

The current study investigated the impact of different front-of-pack messages on liking, salt perception and table salt use of salt-reduced soups over repeated consumption. In a between-subjects design, participants consumed a chicken noodle soup five times over 3 weeks. Participants were assigned to one of five experimental conditions and were categorized into three 'Interest in Salt Reduction' groups based on their self-reported interest in salt reduction. They consumed a regular-salt soup or a 30 % salt-reduced soup, either with or without a front-of-pack message (nutritional, sensory or social based). Liking, salt perception and table salt use were measured at each consumption. Central location test. British consumers (n 493) aged 24-65 years. The soups remained stable in liking over repeated consumption, with no significant differences between the experimental conditions. However, liking did differ among the different Interest in Salt Reduction groups: the 'not aware, no action' group liked salt-reduced soups with a nutritional message the most, whereas the 'aware and action' group liked salt-reduced soups with a social message the most. There was no change in the amount of table salt added as people got more familiar with the salt-reduced soups, suggesting a strong role for habit in table salt use. It mattered whether consumers were thinking about reducing their salt intake or not: a communication message tailored to a country's interest in reducing salt is recommended to motivate consumers to lower their salt intake.

Survey of umbilical cord care practices and separation time in healthy new-born in Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the umbilical cord care practices and separation time in healthy new-born in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A total of 365 women attending child welfare clinic were selected through systematic random sampling technique from three health care facilities in Maiduguri Metropolis. A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used to collect information from the women on common cord care practices and knowledge of standard umbilical cord care practices. The questionnaire was pretested in State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri, Borno State and the correlation coefficient of 0.87 determined. The result of the study revealed that common cord care practices among women in Maiduguri include the use of methylated spirit, hot compress, charcoal, Vaseline and table salt. Others were mixture of methylated spirit with traditional concoctions, toothpaste and cow dung were also found to be commonly used by the mothers. The mean umbilical cord separation time of 3.5 days (± 0.397) was observed with the unorthodox treatment of the cord. Although there was a good knowledge among the respondents with regards to standard umbilical cord care practice, there was however no commensurate practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need for cultural re-orientation most especially of women with regard and unhygienic traditional cord care practices on the new born.

An ethnographic study of salt use and humoral concepts in a Latino farm worker community in California\u2019s Central Valley

BackgroundThis article reports on the use of domestic or table salt for its perceived health effects and healing properties in a Latino farmworker community. It explores how contemporary salt usage beliefs can be seen to have roots in long-standing humoral theories of medicine and health.MethodsThis qualitative investigation comprised 30 in-depth individual interviews and five focus groups conducted in Spanish with Mexican and Central American immigrants in one small city in California’s Central Valley (N = 61 total participants). Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped, translated into English and transcribed. Several researchers independently and iteratively read transcripts, developed and applied codes, and engaged in thematic analysis.ResultsStrongly emergent themes identified the importance of balance in health, and beliefs about the effects on salt on health. Valued for its culinary role, for bringing out the flavors in food, and used by people of all ages, salt use is part of a robust set of cultural practices. Salt was regularly mixed with foods in different combinations and ingested to restore balance, prevent disequilibrium or reduce vulnerability to diverse illnesses, promote rehydration, and address symptoms of exposure to extremes of temperature or physical or emotional stress. Statements made and practices engaged in by participants were highly suggestive of health and healing beliefs common to humoral belief systems based primarily on a hot-cold dichotomy in classifications of foods and healing behaviors. We evaluate these statements and practices in the context of the existing literature on historical and contemporary humoral beliefs in Latin American communities, in Mexico and Central America, and in the United States.ConclusionHumoral theory is a useful framework for understanding contemporary rural Latino migrant farmworkers’ perceptions of the importance of salt for their health.

Liking, salt taste perception and use of table salt when consuming reduced-salt chicken stews in light of South Africa's new salt regulations

This study investigated the impact of salt reduction on liking, salt taste perception, and use of table salt when consuming chicken stew in light of South Africa's new salt recommendations. In total, 432 South-African consumers (aged 35.2 ± 12.3 years) consumed a full portion of a chicken stew meal once at a central location. Four stock cube powders varying in salt content were used to prepare chicken stews: 1) no reduction – 2013 Na level; regular salt level as currently available on the South African market (24473 mg Na/100 g), 2) salt reduction smaller than 2016 level, i.e. 10%-reduced (22025 mg Na/100 g), 3) 2016 salt level, as per regulatory prescriptions (18000 mg Na/100 g), 4) 2019 salt level, as per regulatory prescriptions (13000 mg Na/100 g). Consumers were randomly allocated to consume one of the four meals. Liking, salt taste perception, and use of table salt and pepper were measured. Chicken stews prepared with reduced-salt stock powders were equally well-liked as chicken stews with the current salt level. Moreover, a gradual reduction of the salt in the chicken stews resulted in a reduced salt intake, up to an average of 19% for the total group compared to the benchmark 2013 Na level stew. However, 19% of consumers compensated by adding salt back to full compensation in some cases. More salt was added with increased reductions of salt in the meals, even to the point of full compensation. Further investigation into the impacts of nutrition communication and education about salt reduction on salt taste perception and use is needed. This research provides new consumer insights on salt use and emphasises the need for consumer-focused behaviour change approaches, in addition to reformulation of products.

Evaluation of an intensified prevention program for 4th graders with increased caries risk using ICDAS.

In order to investigate correlations between specific parameters and dental caries, it is useful to record incipient and dentine lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a selective intensified preventive program (SIP) on oral health of fourth graders using ICDAS. A cohort study was performed. ICDAS and DMFT index were recorded. Prevention and social factors were collected with psychometric questionnaires. The test group and the control group were parallelized using sociodemographic variables. The participants in the fluoride varnish program in the test region showed a significantly lower caries experience than pupils in the control region. The bivariate analysis revealed that a migrant background had a negative impact on oral health whereas fissure sealants, use of fluoridated table salt, use of fluoride tablets, early start of toothbrushing and high social status exerted a positive influence on dental health. Stepwise backward logistic regression analysis confirmed that fissure sealants, a high social status and an early start of toothbrushing had a significant positive impact on dental health. The results of our study suggest that a SIP impedes the primary occurrence of incipient lesions and the transition from incipient to advanced lesions.

Evaluating the geographic viability of the solar water disinfection (SODIS) method by decreasing turbidity with NaCl: A case study of South Sudan

While the solar water disinfection (SODIS) method of treating microbiologically contaminated water at the household level has proven to be effective at reducing incidence of diarrhea, its effectiveness is limited to waters of low turbidity. This study investigates the use of table salt (NaCl) to reduce turbidity in water containing dispersed colloidal clay particles as a means of expanding the user base of SODIS. Jar tests were performed on solutions of a low-activity clay, simulating the general composition of soils of the Vertisol type, which are found in key developing regions. Results show that dispersions exhibited as high as 92% particle removal efficiency. The results of this study suggest that NaCl in combination with as little as 30% bentonite by mass may be used to produce a small-scale jumpstart effect by reducing turbidity to a level suitable for SODIS treatment. Soil type was mapped and overlaid with population estimates in a GIS environment to highlight geographic areas where salt+SODIS may be most viable in the case study of South Sudan. Findings suggest that the NaCl method could expand access to SODIS technology by about 1.56million people who currently lack access to an improved water source in the case study.

English

Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, with 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Current trends in management is lifestyle modification. Information on lifestyle habits is needed for effective intervention programe. A study was done among rural dwellers between ages 20 and 75 in Owerre- Nkwoji, Imo State, to determine their knowledge, attitude to hypertension and lifestyle habits. Information gathered would be used to plan an intervention programe to increase awareness and promote healthy lifestyles. The study design is descriptive and simple random sampling method was used in selection of village for the study. An instrument used was a questionnaire with sections on background, knowledge, attitude and lifestyle habits. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done. Findings revealed awareness on hypertension as 116 (96.7%). 88 (73%) were aware of sudden death and stroke in the community. Participants with high knowledge were 32 (26.7%), average 40 (33.3%) and low 48 (40.0%). There was positive attitude to hypertension prevention. Sixty-four (53.3%) believed that hypertension can be sent by one&rsquo;s enemy. Unhealthy lifestyles elicited include use of alcohol, table salt and stimulants. There is a need to correct misconceptions. Readiness for improved health was elicited. As people recognize that lifestyles and behavior significantly affect health, they may assume responsibility for avoiding high risk behaviors. Key words: Attitude, hypertension, knowledge, lifestyle habits, rural-dwellers.

A repeated cross-sectional study of socio-economic inequities in dietary sodium consumption among Canadian adults: implications for national sodium reduction strategies.

IntroductionIn many countries including Canada, excess consumption of dietary sodium is common, and this has adverse implications for population health. Socio-economic inequities in sodium consumption seem likely, but research is limited. Knowledge of socio-economic inequities in sodium consumption is important for informing population-level sodium reduction strategies, to ensure that they are both impactful and equitable.MethodsWe examined the association between socio-economic indicators (income and education) and sodium, using two outcome variables: 1) sodium consumption in mg/day, and 2) reported use of table salt, in two national surveys: the 1970/72 Nutrition Canada Survey and the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2. This permitted us to explore whether there were any changes in socio-economic patterning in dietary sodium during a time period characterized by modest, information-based national sodium reduction efforts, as well as to provide baseline information against which to examine the impact (equitable or not) of future sodium reduction strategies in Canada.ResultsThere was no evidence of a socio-economic inequity in sodium consumption (mg/day) in 2004. In fact findings pointed to a positive association in women, whereby women of higher education consumed more sodium than women of lower education in 2004. For men, income was positively associated with reported use of table salt in 1970/72, but negatively associated in 2004.ConclusionsAn emerging inequity in reported use of table salt among men could reflect the modest, information-based sodium reduction efforts that were implemented during the time frame considered. However, for sodium consumption in mg/day, we found no evidence of a contemporary inequity, and in fact observed the opposite effect among women. Our findings could reflect data limitations, or they could signal that sodium differs from some other nutrients in terms of its socio-economic patterning, perhaps reflecting very high prevalence of excess consumption. It is possible that socio-economic inequities in sodium consumption will emerge as excess consumption declines, consistent with fundamental cause theory. It is important that national sodium reduction strategies are both impactful and equitable.

Effects of salt labelling and repeated in-home consumption on long-term liking of reduced-salt soups.

The present study investigated the impact of salt labelling and repeated in-home consumption on liking of reduced-salt soups. Participants received a chicken noodle soup to be consumed twice weekly at home for 5 weeks. Three soups were included: (i) regular-salt soup as available on the market; (ii) 22 %-reduced-salt soup; and (iii) 32 %-reduced-salt soup. The soups were tasted blind or with the label: 'same great taste, less salt and more herbs'. In total, there were six experimental groups. All groups received the same soup over the whole period. Desire and liking were measured at each time of consumption. In-home and central location test. French consumers (n 646). There was no significant difference in liking between the three soups when consumed at home, whereas the reduced-salt soups were less liked than the regular-salt soup in the central location test. Labelling did not boost liking scores, which is probably explained by the fact that all soups were similarly liked when eaten at home. The surprising results of the present study in France suggest that a salt reduction of up to 32 % in a chicken noodle soup did not affect long-term liking score as assessed by consumers at home. In addition, initial liking measured at the central location was not predictive of liking after repeated in-home consumption. How far we can go in reducing salt in other products without compromising product quality, and how this impacts consumers' choice behaviour and in turn table salt use at home, are still unanswered questions.

High Blood Pressure can be Controlled by Reducing Extra Table Salt Intake

Background: This quasi-experimental community trial was done through door-to-door health education to find out effect of reducing extra table salt intake on patients with high blood pressure.Material and Method: This study was conducted among 4,930 respondents out of 7,474 population (response rate was 65.96%). Respondents had age 18 years or above living in Mohammadpur area of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Study period was from August 2005 to February 2009. Intervention was for 18 months on 282 (male 69.5% and female 30.5%) respondents with stage-I hypertension. Respondents on trial had no co-morbidity and they were neither aware about their hypertension nor were ever treated for it. The intervention was given person-to-person to quit extra table salt after signing the informed consent form. Follow-up for selected parameters were done after 6, 12 and 18 month of intervention. Data analysis and interpretation were done through SPSS.Result: Mean Blood Pressure of the respondents was found to be 121/78 mmHg. Overall prevalence of hypertension is 20.1% (JNC-7 criteria). After 18m intervention percent reduction of SBP is -7.0% and DBP is -9.9%. Blood pressure of 14.9% (n=42) went up in spite of behavioural risk reduction. Normal blood pressure was found among 7.8% respondents having stage-I hypertension while 17.7% remained at stage-I but their blood pressure is reduced. Multinominal regression analysis showed chi-square value of 25.8 df 13 p=0.018 between use of extra table salt and systolic blood pressure while the value was 28.684 df 11 p= 0.003 for diastolic blood pressure in a -2 Log Likelihood reduced model. At beginning 44% respondents used extra salt while eating. After 6m, 12m and 18m of intervention, extra salt intake was found among 20.6%, 5.0% and 1.8% respondents respectively. Quantitatively extra salt intake reduced from 63±6.5g per week at beginning to 29±4.6g per week after 18m intervention. Change of salt intake was significantly related to change of both SBP (F= 9.688; p=0.000) and DBP (F=6.544; p=0.002). Quality of life was evaluated for both subjective and objective indices.Conclusion: Reversal of hypertension was 56.7% by lifestyle modification and behavioural changes including salt intake reduction. This study confirmed relation of salt with hypertension and also confirmed reduction of blood pressure after reducing salt intake. This study recommended no extra salt intake for patients at risk or with high blood pressure.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/kyamcj.v1i2.13314KYAMC Journal Vol.1(2) January 2011, 48-53

Health and life style-related determinants of survival rate in the male residents of the city of Łódź

The article presents a selected part of an analysis of health- and lifestyle-related determinants of the longevity of male residents of the city of Łódź. The WHO strategy for the European region assumes that the term' lifestyle' refers to the way of life based on the association between conditions of life understood in a broad sense and individual patterns of behaviour determined by socio-cultural factors and individual features. On this basis, the aim of this study is to identify the multiple statistical relationships on the mortality of men living in Łódź, particularly the influence of the following variables on the probability of survival: age, subjective health assessment, nutritional habits, alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. The study sample (1004 respondents) was selected, and the study was carried out, based on the standards of the CINDI WHO Programme. The investigations included socio-demographic data, health status, lifestyle and anthropometric measurements. From the results of the first-study performed in Poland of the longevity of men with identified risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, it has been found that: 1) Tobacco smoking has a negative influence on male longevity; 2) Alcohol consumed in moderate amounts favours male longevity; 3) The level of physical activity observed among the studied men was too low to affect longevity; 4) A diet rich in fish and consumption of yellow cheese are positive predictors of longevity, while additional use of table salt at meals and consumption of sweets (cakes) are negative ones. Risky lifestyles and a reluctance to abandon them are responsible for a shorter lifespan among men in Poland. Reducing this difference between women and men is a real challenge for public health professionals and preventive medicine specialists.

Optimizing the solar water disinfection (SODIS) method by decreasing turbidity with NaCl

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) has proven to be effective at reducing diarrheal incidence in epidemiological intervention studies. However, the SODIS method is limited to waters of low turbidity (&amp;lt;30 NTU). This study investigates the use of common table salt (NaCl) to reduce the turbidity of water containing suspended colloidal clay particles for use in the SODIS method. Three representative clays found in tropical soils (kaolinite, illite and bentonite) were tested at three levels of turbidity (50, 100 and 200 NTU) for their flocculating behavior with multiple NaCl concentrations to find the optimum. Supernatants were tested for sodium concentration for comparison against health and taste thresholds. Results show that unlike kaolinite and illite, pure bentonite solutions were shown to be very responsive to NaCl and produced supernatants with as low as 4 NTU (98% particle removal efficiency). This study has shown that NaCl, in combination with high-activity clay particles in solution, may effectively reduce turbidity to levels suitable for SODIS treatment, thereby expanding the number of people who can utilize the technology effectively.

Contributors to iodine status among children in the U.S.

While pregnant women and some subgroups of reproductive age women may be at risk for iodine deficiency, data also suggest that iodine intake among children may be above requirements in the U.S. Our objective was to describe the association of iodine sources with iodine status among children. We analyzed 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from urinary iodine (UI) spot tests for children 6–12 y (n=1150), and used WHO criteria for iodine status (median UI 100–199 μg/L=adequate; 200–299 μg/L=above requirements; ≥300μg/L=excess). Overall median UI was above requirements for children 6–12 y (213 μg/L, 95% CI 197–238). Median UI increased by quartile of dairy intake and ranged from adequate in the lowest quartile (156 μg/L, 131–192 μg/L), to above adequate in the highest quartile (293 μg/L, 248–369 μg/L). Median UI was 303 μg/L (253–401 μg/L) among the 15% of children taking a dietary supplement that contained iodine, compared to 205 μg/L (192–221 μg/L) among those not taking a supplement. In regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and other dietary factors, recent dairy intake, recent supplement use, and regular table salt use were significantly positively associated with UI levels among children. Public health strategies to reconcile low iodine intakes among pregnant women and above adequate intakes among children will need to consider dairy products, dietary supplements, and salt as important sources of iodine among children.

Health labelling can influence taste perception and use of table salt for reduced-sodium products.

To investigate the effect of front-of-pack labels on taste perception and use of table salt for currently available and sodium-reduced soups. Within-subject design. Sensory laboratory. Participants (n 50, mean age 34.8 (sd 13.6) years) were randomly served nine soups (250 ml each) across 3 d. Servings differed in: (i) health label (i.e. no health label, reduced-salt label or Heart Foundation Tick); and (ii) sodium reduction (no reduction - benchmark, 15 % less sodium or 30 % less sodium). Before tasting, participants rated their expected salt intensity and liking. After tasting, participants rated their perceived salt intensity and liking, after which they could add salt to the soup to make it more palatable. Reduced-salt labels generated a negative taste expectation and actual taste experience in terms of liking (P < 0.05) and perceived saltiness (P < 0.05). Perceived saltiness of sodium-reduced soups decreased more (P < 0.05), and consumers added more salt (P < 0.05), when soups carried the reduced-salt label. The tick logo and soups without health labels had no such influence on taste perception. Emphasizing salt reduction by means of a front-of-pack label can have a negative effect on taste perception and salt use, especially when consumers are able to taste differences between their regular soup and the sodium-reduced soup. Overall health logos which do not emphasize the reduction in salt are less likely to affect perceived salt intensity and therefore are viable solutions to indicate the healthiness of sodium-reduced products.

Prehypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in adults enrolled in a primary care programme

An increase in cardiovascular (CV) disease has been observed in prehypertensive subjects who frequently carry other cardiovascular risk factors. In Brazil, little is known about prehypertension and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. To estimate the association between prehypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in a public primary healthcare programme. Associations in this cross-sectional study were estimated on the basis of generalized estimating equations. Results are expressed as odds ratio (OR) or adjusted odds ratio (OR(a)) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The 357 participants were classified as normotensive (64.4%) or prehypertensive (35.6%). In a univariate analysis, prehypertension was statistically associated with male gender, age, table salt use, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), uric acid, and all lipids except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. When analysis was performed adjusting for gender, age, and table salt use, the association of each metabolic parameter with prehypertension, remained significant for BMI (OR(a) = 1.097; 95% CI 1.035-1.162), triglycerides (OR(a) = 1.008; 95% CI 1.003-1.013), and uric acid (OR(a) = 1.269; 95% CI 1.023- .576). To check for their independence of obesity, associations of triglycerides and uric acid with prehypertension were reanalysed after adjustment for BMI. The association of triglycerides remained statistically significant. A trend of association was present for uric acid. The prevalence of prehypertension paralleled the increase of the number of risk factors. Prehypertension in Brazil is associated with well-recognized cardiovascular risk factors even in a continuously monitored population such the one under study. Prehypertension can be a valuable clue to alert health professionals to treat underlying perturbations to prevent overt cardiovascular disease.

Growth and Survival of Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens, Larvae at Low Salinity and With Different Diets

We evaluated the survival and growth of 3-d post-hatch Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens larvae, raised during 15 d in salt-free or salt-added freshwater (5 ppt using common table salt) and fed with a sequence of traditional live diets (Chlorella sp., rotifers, and Artemia) or with one formulated diet complemented with a single or daily additions of Chlorella. The highest survival were those of natural-fed larvae, at 5 and 0 ppt (100 and 96.67 ± 5.77%), and there were no significant differences in final length and weight, although these were more variable in the case of the larvae maintained at 5 ppt. The use of table salt had a negative effect on the trophonts of the external parasitic dinoflagellate Piscinoodinium sp., which colonized the body surface of the larvae raised at 0 ppt and were absent on those kept at 5 ppt.

Oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea in children--a basic primer.

This article reviews current knowledge on oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for diarrhea in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has formulated an ORT solution suitable for most cases of diarrhea, regardless of etiology or patient's age. At least 65 separate studies in 21 countries have documented successful use of ORT (largely the WHO formulation). Although it is popularly believed that food intake should be minimized during diarrhea to rest the bowel, fasting impairs the absorption of glucose, salt, water, amino acids, and the activity of disaccharidases. However, even children with intractable diarrhea gain weight and have less diarrhea on diets that are predigested but not hypertonic. Locally available food, such as rice and rice water, and breast milk can be tolerated by children with diarrhea. ORT can play a positive role in reducing anorexia and promoting food intake by restoring appetite. ORT must be delivered through a community-based distribution program to reach the majority of people in developing countries. The minimum elements for such a program are the chemicals, a means to measure them, a container, a source of potable water, education of deliverers and family, and managerial surveillance. Medical backup for ORT failures and evaluation of outcomes are also desirable features. Although ORT packets can be produced for US8 cents, they are not always available to remote areas, leading some to advocate use of table salt and household sugar solutions. The problems of delivery of ORT to those most in need mirror more general problems in health care delivery in developing countries. Nonetheless, in comparison with many curative and preventive health care measures, ORT has an exceptionally high cost-benefit ratio.

Association of caries experience in adolescents with different preventive measures

To assess the preventive measures which were associated with the striking caries decline observed in Marburg (Germany) between 1982 and 2002 and to investigate the relationship between caries prevalence and the type of educational level. 1,237 twelve-year-old children were examined in four different types of schools. D3MFT and the number of teeth with fissure sealants were registered. Information about preventive measures carried out in the past was collected by structured questionnaires. To compare the mean caries scores of various subgroups, Mann-Whitney U-tests and ANOVA were performed. Variables associated with caries were included in a binary logistic regression analysis. In 2002 the mean D3MFT score amounted to 0.78. In 80.7% of the pupils fissure sealants were observed, on average 3.5 teeth with sealants were recorded per child. There were significant differences between the mean D3MFT scores and the mean number of teeth with fissure sealants among the various school types. Use of fluoride supplements in the past, use of fluoridated table salt and fissure sealants were the factors in the binary logistic regression analysis which were significant in preventing caries.