Differences in Self-Reported Oral Health Among Community-Dwelling Black, Hispanic, and White Elders

Abstract

Objectives To compare differences in self-rated oral health among community-dwelling Black, Hispanic, and White adults aged 60 and older. Method A total of 4,859 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004) provided self-report information on oral health. Results Blacks and Hispanics reported poorer self-rated oral health than Whites. In separate dentate and edentulous groups, socioeconomic status, social support, physical health, clinical oral health outcomes, and dental checkups accounted for much of the difference in self-rated oral health in Blacks, but significant differences remained for Hispanics. Discussion The study findings may have important implications for health policy and program development. Programs and services designed for minority populations should target treatments for dental diseases and include components that take into account subjective evaluations of oral health conditions and perceived dental needs of the individuals.

The Determinants of Self–Rated Oral Health in Istanbul Adults

“…Similar finding has been reported in a recent study conducted in Somali adults (Okunseri et al, 2008a). Associations between SROH and socio-economic position markers (e.g., education, occupation, household income, household wealth, subjective social status and childhood socio-economic position) have been reported in several studies (Borrell&Baquero, 2011;Finlayson et al, 2010;Locker, 2009;Pattussi et al, 2010;Wu et al, 2011). In contrast, in the present study, SES (measured by the VERI Socio-Economic Status Index) is not associated with SROH.…”

“…Associations between self-perceptions of general health status and SROH have been reported in several studies (Atchison & Gift, 1997;Benyamini et al, 2004;Okunseri et al, 2008a, b). Psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem, mastery, personal control, life satisfaction, stress, sense of cohesion, depression, resilience, social support) were found to be related to SROH (Benyamini et al,2004;Finlayson et al, 2010;Locker, 2009;Martins et al,2011;Peker & Bermek, 2011;Sanders & Spencer, 2005;Wu et al, 2011). SROH was also associated significantly with oral functional problems and concerns (Ekbäck et al, 2009;Gilbert et al, 1998;Kim et al, 2010;Locker et al, 2009;Ugarte et al, 2007).…”

“…Previous studies showed that individuals who perceive better oral health had a higher frequency of seeking preventive dental care (Araújo et al, 2009;Camargo et al, 2009;Gilbert et al, 2003;Matos&Lima-Costa, 2006;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Pavi et al, 2010;Thomson et al, 2010;Woolfolk et al 1999;Wu et al, 2011). In addition, poor SROH was associated significantly with unfavorable oral health behaviors (Ekbäck et al, 2009;Kim et al, 2010;Locker et al, 2009;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Wu et al, 2011). Associations between self-perceptions of general health status and SROH have been reported in several studies (Atchison & Gift, 1997;Benyamini et al, 2004;Okunseri et al, 2008a, b).…”

“…A set of independent individual-level variables were identified that may influence SROH: (1) exogenous variables (age, gender); (2) personal characteristics of primary determinants of oral health (predisposing socio-demographic and health beliefs factors -education, marital status, oral health locus of control (LOC) beliefs, perceived general health status; enabling characteristics -socio-economic status, having dental insurance; need factors -perceived dental treatment need, self-reported number of teeth, self-reported dental pain and dental problems, and (3) oral health behaviors (frequency of tooth brushing, dental attendance pattern, use of dental floss). A number of studies showed that demographic and socio-economic variables such as gender, age, income and marital status have been associated with SROH (Borrell & Baquero, 2011;Finlayson et al, 2010;Kim et al, 2010;Okunseri et al, 2008a;Patussi et al, 2010;Ugarte et al, 2007;Wu et al, 2011). Previous studies showed that individuals who perceive better oral health had a higher frequency of seeking preventive dental care (Araújo et al, 2009;Camargo et al, 2009;Gilbert et al, 2003;Matos&Lima-Costa, 2006;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Pavi et al, 2010;Thomson et al, 2010;Woolfolk et al 1999;Wu et al, 2011).…”

“…A number of studies showed that demographic and socio-economic variables such as gender, age, income and marital status have been associated with SROH (Borrell & Baquero, 2011;Finlayson et al, 2010;Kim et al, 2010;Okunseri et al, 2008a;Patussi et al, 2010;Ugarte et al, 2007;Wu et al, 2011). Previous studies showed that individuals who perceive better oral health had a higher frequency of seeking preventive dental care (Araújo et al, 2009;Camargo et al, 2009;Gilbert et al, 2003;Matos&Lima-Costa, 2006;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Pavi et al, 2010;Thomson et al, 2010;Woolfolk et al 1999;Wu et al, 2011). In addition, poor SROH was associated significantly with unfavorable oral health behaviors (Ekbäck et al, 2009;Kim et al, 2010;Locker et al, 2009;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Wu et al, 2011).…”