Influence of Rural and Urban Environments on Lifestyle, Dietary Patterns, and Oral Health Among Adolescents in...

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage during which lifestyle and dietary habits are established, influencing both general and oral health outcomes. Territorial disparities between rural and urban environments may contribute to nutritional inequalities and health vulnerabilities. The aim of this study was to analyze differences between rural and urban environments in terms of lifestyle behaviors, dietary patterns, and oral health outcomes among adolescents in Mallorca, Spain.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 adolescents corresponding to the WHO index ages (12 and 15 years). Data were collected through questionnaires assessing dietary habits, oral hygiene behaviors and lifestyle characteristics. Clinical oral examinations were performed following the World Health Organization Pathfinder methodology. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and comparative analyses between rural and urban populations.

Urban adolescents reported higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods (p < 0.001), whereas rural adolescents showed higher weekly physical activity (4.45 ± 2.34 vs. 3.62 ± 2.41 h/week; p < 0.001). Caries prevalence was higher in rural students (45.0% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.001), who however demonstrated better periodontal indicators.

Geographic environment is associated with differences in dietary patterns, physical activity levels, lifestyle behaviors, and oral health outcomes among adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of targeted public health interventions adapted to geographic context and support the role of broader social and environmental determinants in adolescent oral health.