Hmong Adults Self-Rated Oral Health: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Since 1975, the Hmong refugee population in the U.S. has increased over 200%. However, little is known about their dental needs or self-rated oral health (SROH). The study aims were to: (1) describe the SROH, self-rated general health (SRGH), and use of dental/physician services; and (2) identify the factors associated with SROH among Hmong adults. A cross-sectional study design with locating sampling methodology was used. Oral health questionnaire was administered to assess SROH and SRGH, past dental and physician visits, and language preference. One hundred twenty adults aged 18-50+ were recruited and 118 had useable information. Of these, 49% rated their oral health as poor/fair and 30% rated their general health as poor/fair. Thirty-nine percent reported that they did not have a regular source of dental care, 46% rated their access to dental care as poor/fair, 43% visited a dentist and 66% visited a physician within the past 12 months. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that access to dental care, past dental visits, age and SRGH were significantly associated with SROH (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses demonstrated a strong association between access to dental care and good/excellent SROH. About half of Hmong adults rated their oral health and access to dental care as poor. Dental insurance, access to dental care, past preventive dental/physician visits and SRGH were associated with SROH.

The Determinants of Self–Rated Oral Health in Istanbul Adults

“…Bivariate analysis showed that being female, having regular dental attendance, having health insurance, bad SRH, older age, being married, and having lower natural teeth were strongly associated with good SROH. In contrast to previous studies (Gift et al, 1998;Kim et al, 2010;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Reisine & Bailit,1980), we found that older adults were more likely to rate their oral health better than younger adults. Consistent with previous studies (Patussi et al, 2010;Reisine & Bailit, 1980), we found that males tended to rate their oral health worse than females.…”

“…Consistent with previous studies (Abelsen, 2008;Araújo et al, 2009;Camargo et al, 2009;Gilbert et al, 2003;Locker & Miller, 1994;Matos & Lima-Costa, 2006;Maupomé et al, 2004;Okunseri et al, 2008b;Pavi et al, 2010;Petersen et al, 2000;Thomson et al, 2010;Woolfolk et al, 1999;Wu et al, 2011), we found that good SROH was strongly associated with regular dental attendance. It is known that an important part of maintaining good oral health is the use of appropriate dental services (Petersen & Yamamoto, 2005).…”

“…The response was either yes or no. Self-perceived health status was measured using a single-item self-rating of health (Benyamini et al, 2004;Borrell & Baquero, 2011;Okunseri et al, 2008b). Self-rated health (SRH) was based on responses to a single item ("How do you consider your health in general?…”

“…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 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).…”