RESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived stress, daily stress, racial discrimination, and perceived oral health (POH) in African American youth. Methods: Data are from a cross section convenience sample of 273 adolescents (mean age: 14.4±0.15 years old; 51.7 percent female) in Southeast Michigan. A subset of 156 African American adolescents (mean age: 14.0±0.2 years old; 55 percent female) were included in this analysis. Validated surveys were used to measure stress, discrimination, and POH. Results: Greater exposure to racial discrimination predicted lower POH (ß= -0.02±0.01, P=0.03). This relationship remained significant after accounting for the confounding effects of added sugar intake, toothbrushing frequency, dental visit frequency, age, and sex (ß= -0.01±0.007, P=0.048). No significant relationships were observed between perceived stress, daily stress, and POH (P>0.05). Conclusions: Experiences of racial discrimination may play a unique and important role in shaping POH in African American youth. Qualitative studies are needed to better understand how experiences of racial discrimination may impact POH in this ethnic minority group. (Pediatr Dent 2019;41(5):358-63).
