Oral health status and the epidemiologic paradox within latino immigrant groups

BMC Oral Health

Table 1 Comparison of demographic and behavioral characteristics for Mexican and other Latino immigrants by Number and Percentage

Variable	Total		Mexican Immigrants		Latino Immigrants		p-values
Variable	n	%	n	%	n	%
DEMOGRAPHIC
Age
18–29 years	69	29%	44	28%	25	30%
30–39 years	102	43%	71	45%	31	37%
≥ 40 years	69	29%	42	27%	27	33%	ns
Total	240 ^*,†	100%	157	100%	83	100%
Gender
Males	74	31%	39	25%	35	42%
Females	166	69%	118	75%	48	58%	<.01
Total	240	100%	157	100%	83	100%
Education
≤ Elementary	125	52%	90	57%	35	42%
Some High School or more	115	48%	67	43%	48	58%	<.05
Total	240	100%	157	100%	83	100%
Income
$0–$11,999	121	59%	72	57%	49	64%
≥$12,000	83	41%	55	43%	28	36%	<.01
Total	204 ^‡	100%	127	100%	77	100%
BEHAVIORAL
Alcohol consumption
Never	156	65%	99	63%	57	69%	ns
Past & current	84	35%	58	37%	26	31%
Total	240	100%	157	100%	83	100%
Tobacco use
Never	188	78%	121	77%	67	81%	ns
Past & current	52	12%	36	23%	16	19%
Total	240	100%	157	100%	83	100%
Flossing use
No	104	43%	74	47%	30	36%	ns
Yes	136	57%	83	53%	53	64%
Total	240	100%	157	100%	83	100%

Chi-squared tests used to determine differences between Mexican and Latino immigrants.
*=Mean ages were 35.47 years (SE 0.74) for Mexican born and 35.58 years (SE 1.10) for those born in other Latino countries.
†=Length of residence in U.S.A. for Mexican immigrants was 11.43 years (SE 0.68) and Latino immigrants was 9.00 years (SE 0.79).
‡ 36 missing.

ISSN: 1472-6831