Assessment of parental oral health knowledge and behaviors among American Indians of a Northern Plains tribe

摘要: Public health efforts involving water fluoridation, nutrition, and dental care access have enhanced the potential for optimal oral in United States (U.S.). Yet caries persists, with low-income ethnic/racial minority children experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease. Among groups at risk disparities, prevalence American Indian Alaska Native (AI/AN) is among highest U.S. (1). Compared to other groups, over 62% AI/AN preschoolers early childhood (ECC) versus 42% Mexican-American, 32% African American, 25% non-Hispanic white (2). Severity disease, as measured by decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft), 3-4 times higher than general population (3-5). Moreover, population-based studies reveal untreated decay increases age children, 21% 1-year-olds 75% 5-year olds (4). Advancing severity disparities reservation communities has become major public policy issue. General outcome assessments indicate beliefs behaviors Indians (AI) differ compared U. S. populations (World Health Organization International Collaborative Study Oral Outcomes, ICS-II). For AI adults, barriers accessing past negative experiences were associated decreased likelihood contact worse perceived status (6, 8). adults also reported lower frequencies daily toothbrushing (7) more likely report total tooth loss (6). Beyond surveys limited data are available related determinants including parental knowledge behavior. Oral (AN) was evaluated part an investigation Head Start children. AN experienced rates ECC. Probability developing 4 non-AN Investigators attributed this disparity primarily sociodemographic dietary patterns behavioral factors (9). In literacy study that included participants, caregivers’ self-reported their evaluated. whites Americans, caregivers most poorer although not (10). The complex interaction poverty, system limitations, culture ethnicity/race, affect outcomes (11, 12). Accordingly, interest grown addressing using broader framework incorporating psychosocial strategies 13). The current describes first, essential step such approach – identification behavior levels factors. This community-based first examine parents from Northern Plains region. findings being used develop messages approaches use within manualized intervention intended enhance behaviors, ultimate goal reducing