The caries prevalence in a multi-stage probability sample of 18,786 children representative of all French children 6-15 years of age was studied in 1991 and compared with the results of a similar survey made in 1987. A significant decline in dental caries in France became evident. This decline, observed in primary as well as in permanent teeth, was of variable magnitude among the different age groups. At the age of 6, 48.6% of the children were totally caries-free in 1991. At the age of 12, the DMFT and DMFS indices were 2.59 and 4.72, respectively, representing a corresponding decrease of 38% and 37%. In 1991, more caries-affected teeth or surfaces were filled, whereas fewer caries-affected teeth or surfaces were untreated. Females and children living in rural areas had a higher caries prevalence in both surveys. Pit-and-fissure lesions were the predominant caries types. Dental fluorosis was very uncommon; 96.1% of the 18,786 children examined in 1991 were totally free of any such lesions. Average plaque and calculus indices were similar in 1987 and in 1991, but a decrease of 25% was observed in the average gingival indices. Although the relative contributions of various preventive factors leading to this caries reduction are not clear, it should be noted that use of fluoridated salt (250 mg/kg KF) started in January, 1987. The sale of fluoridated dentifrices and the use of fluoride tablets and sugar substitutes increased during the period from 1987 to 1991.

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BackgroundIn 2004–2005, a survey carried out on food recipients in France revealed an alarming nutritional situation. In 2011–2012, and using a protocol similar to that of 2004–2005, our objective was to update the description of sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors and clinical parameters of food assistance recipients and to analyze changes since 2004–2005.MethodsBoth surveys included multistage random sampling of adults benefitting from structures that supply food pantries and charitable grocery stores. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and dietary behaviors were collected along with weight, height and blood pressure measurements. Comparisons between the 2004–2005 (n = 883) and 2011–2012 (n = 1,058) survey observations were made, adjusting for socio-demographic changes which had occurred in the meantime.ResultsSince 2004–2005, proportions of food recipients ≥55 years (13.1–19.1 %), born in France (29.2–36.8 %) and employed (5.5–11.7 %) have increased; food insufficiency has decreased (95–74 %). For over half of the recipients, canned (52.4 %) and non-perishable (50.9 %) foods were obtained only from food assistance. Frequency of consumption significantly increased even after adjustment for socio-demographic changes; this was the case for dairy products (for twice a day consumption, 30.2–36.4 %), fruits and vegetables (three times a day, 7.8–13.9 %), and meat, eggs and fish (twice a day, 9.4–19.2 %). In 2011–2012, 15.6 % of men and 36.0 % of women were obese, while 44.5 and 35.1 % had high blood pressure, respectively.ConclusionsBetween 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 in France, consumption of staple foods has been slightly improved in food assistance recipients. However, prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors remains high, which underlines the need for long-term efforts at better quality of foods delivered.

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Noise is the subject of increasing attention for the French, especially in highly urbanized areas where its sources are multiple. In this context, this article aims to gain a better understanding of the how the specificities of the Ile-de-France region influence perceptions, attitudes and expectations of its inhabitants with respect to noise. The article is based on the regional use of results extracted from the national Environmental Health Barometer 2007 study by the INPES, the French National Institute for Prevention and Health Education. First and foremost, noise is perceived as a source of discomfort and inconvenience, in particular in Ile-de-France, while the related consequences of noise exposure for health were of secondary importance and not necessarily influenced by the degree of urbanization. The preoccupation with noise was much more important in the Ile-de-France region than in the rest of the country. Furthermore, a significant proportion of young people, particularly the Paris region, are exposed to high noise levels during their leisure time. These results are useful to better understand the expectations and needs of Parisians in terms of policies needed for information and education, prevention and reduction of noise.

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