The oral health of refugees and asylum seekers: a scoping review

Abstract

IntroductionImproving the oral health of refugees and asylum seekers is a global priority, yet little is known about the overall burden of oral diseases and their causes for this population.ObjectiveTo synthesize available evidence on the oral health of, and access to oral health care by this population.MethodsUsing a scoping review methodology, we retrieved 3321 records from eight databases and grey literature; 44 publications met the following inclusion criteria: empirical research focused on refugees and/or asylum seekers’ oral health, published between 1990 and 2014 in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish. Analysis included descriptive and thematic analysis, as well as critical appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) criteria for quantitative and qualitative studies.ResultsThe majority of publications (86 %) were from industrialized countries, while the majority of refugees are resettled in developing countries. The most common study designs were quantitative (75 %). Overall, the majority of studies (76 %) were of good quality. Studies mainly explored oral health status, knowledge and practices; a minority (9 %) included interventions. The refugee populations in the studies showed higher burden of oral diseases and limited access to oral health care compared to even the least privileged populations in the host countries. Minimal strategies to improve oral health have been implemented; however, some have impressive outcomes.ConclusionsOral health disparities for this population remain a major concern. More research is needed on refugees in developing countries, refugees residing in refugee camps, and interventions to bridge oral health disparities. This review has utility for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders working to improve the oral health of this population.

Oral health-related quality of life among Syrian refugees in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

“…However, recruiting participants from hard-to-reach and restricted populations is acknowledged to be rather difficult 15,52 . The sample was limited to refugees who were seeking dental treatment or a dental evaluation at the dental clinics in the camp.…”

“…Previous studies, which were mainly conducted in developed countries, demonstrated a higher burden of oral diseases and a negative perception of oral health among refugees compared with host residents [13][14][15][16][17] . Previous studies, which were mainly conducted in developed countries, demonstrated a higher burden of oral diseases and a negative perception of oral health among refugees compared with host residents [13][14][15][16][17] .…”

“…The effect of refuge on oral health has only been sparsely studied. Previous studies, which were mainly conducted in developed countries, demonstrated a higher burden of oral diseases and a negative perception of oral health among refugees compared with host residents [13][14][15][16][17] . In a Norwegian study of refugees from the Middle East and Africa, in which oral health and impact of oral health on daily living were explored, most of the refugees were found to have clinically detectable caries, and the majority perceived their oral health as poor and in need of treatment.…”

Using Interprofessional Education to Promote Oral Health Literacy in a Faculty‐Student Collaborative Practice

“…11, 12 The majority of refugees have lived in refugee camps before resettlement to a host country, and limited resources and stress during residence in refugee camps can lead to a variety of acute and chronic diseases that often persist upon resettlement. 14,15 Lack of access to dental services is costly, with an increased disease burden linking oral health and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that resulted in $2.7 billion of charges for dental-related emergency room visits across the U.S. between 2008 and 2010. 14,15 Lack of access to dental services is costly, with an increased disease burden linking oral health and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that resulted in $2.7 billion of charges for dental-related emergency room visits across the U.S. between 2008 and 2010.…”

“…13 Initiatives have found that refugees are at high risk of poor oral health due to a number of factors, including lack of acculturated dietary intake, lack of access to oral health prevention and treatment before and after their arrival in their new country, lack of water fluoridation, and torture-related injuries to the mouth and face; and many refugee adults have never received dental care or been provided with access to common preventive measures such as a toothbrush. 14,15 Lack of access to dental services is costly, with an increased disease burden linking oral health and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that resulted in $2.7 billion of charges for dental-related emergency room visits across the U.S. between 2008 and 2010. 16,17 Immigrants, being mostly non-native English speakers and a vulnerable population, experience barriers to language, culture, and access to health care resources.…”