Eating And Oral Hygiene Habits Of Foreign Academics Before And After Arrival In BRAZIL: A Qualitative Study

Young foreigners entering university are more susceptible to behavioral changes. The study aimed to determine the changes in eating habits and oral hygiene, before and after arrival in Brazil, of foreign academics from African countries, from a Brazilian university of international nature. This is an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study, conducted with African academics from different courses and semesters. After consent and completion of the questionnaire, the content analysis technique was applied. At breakfast in their home country, academics consumed mostly bread, as well as aguapu and futi. At lunch they ate curry and fungus and at dinner cuntchur. In Brazil, biscuits and fruits were introduced for breakfast, and for lunch, salad, farofa and beans. At dinner, pasta and barbecue were inserted. The academics used coal and salt in their home country and brushed their teeth 3 times a day. In Brazil, their oral hygiene habits were maintained or little changed. It is concluded that the eating habits of foreign academics in their country of origin, although reflecting their cultural practices, may be influenced by Brazilian customs upon arrival in Brazil. However, regarding the means used and frequency of oral cavity cleaning, this influence may not exist or be limited.