IADR Abstract Archives

Oral Health Attitudes of Some Hill Tribes in Thai-Myanmar Border

Objectives: This study was aimed to collect information in social aspects that most likely influences the oral health status of the people with geographic and cultural differences living along Thai-Myanmar border. Methods: Sociological interviews were taken from 15 oral health care personnel, 13 school teachers responsible for students' health care and some hill tribal people in 8 districts in Taak and Chiangrai, the border provinces between Thailand and Myanmar. Some questionnaires were performed to collect attitudes of hill tribal people towards oral health care. Results: The study showed that some hill tribes, such as Hmong, had their own conceptual framework concerning oral health. Deterioration of teeth due to dental caries, as well as loosening of teeth due to periodontal diseases were widely accepted as part of their aging process. Provision of oral health service and promotion from governmental health organization was difficult to reach the people, whereas some curative procedures in a local way still existed. Conclusion: It was concluded that geographic and cultural backgrounds of the hill tribes along Thai-Myanmar border affect the attitudes towards oral health care. Oral health providers found some difficulty in dealing with oral health problems in these group-specific populations without understanding their social factors. This study was supported by the grant from Mahidol University.


Division: Southeast Asian Division Meeting
Meeting: 2004 Southeast Asian Division Meeting (Koh Samui, Thailand)
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
Year: 2004
Final Presentation ID: 14
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Scientific Groups
Authors
  • Kuno, Abeedeel  ( Mahidol University, Bangkok, N/A, Thailand )
  • Supasin, Nattakan  ( Thammasat University, Bangkok, N/A, Thailand )
  • Fuangtharnthip, Pornpoj  ( Mahidol University, Bangkok, N/A, Thailand )
  • Senawongse, Pisol  ( Mahidol University, Bangkok, N/A, Thailand )
  • Nakaparksin, Jurai  ( Mahidol University, Bangkok, N/A, Thailand )
  • SESSION INFORMATION
    Oral Session
    Behavioral Sciences/Health Services Research
    09/05/2004