Methods: This qualitative study is nested within a large cohort study in South Western Sydney. Chinese speaking mothers (n=25) with young children were approached for an interview at home. Three dental leaflets in English designed for preschool children were sent to the participating mothers prior to interviews. On the day of the interview mothers were also given translated versions of leaflets for comparison and their opinions were taken on the leaflets. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed by two individuals.
Results: Three themes were identified: inappropriate content and use of language, illustrations and dental problems inadequately addressed. It was commonly suggested by the mothers that translation of the leaflets is an easy way out and the leaflets were not specific to Chinese culture. Mothers reported that the dental health materials were not tailored to match the different levels of healthy literacy of specific Chinese communities, and therefore do not inform the user.
Conclusions: Producers of dental health information literature should research their potential user groups more carefully, especially those whose first language is not English.