Oral health disparities among low income families in Hong Kong
Objectives: This study aimed to determine oral health disparities among low income families in Hong Kong
Methods: Low income families in a deprived community in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in a community outreach project. Participants underwent a clinical oral examination using WHO criteria to assess their dental caries status and periodontal status. Participants self-completed questionnaires to assess their oral health knowledge, oral health attitudes and oral health behaviour. In addition socio-demographic information was collected. Socio-demographic variations in oral health literacy (knowledge and attitudes) and oral health status were explored.
Results: Participants had relatively poor oral health literacy (poor oral health knowledge and oral health attitudes) and few (4%) reported attending a dentist regularly. The mean DMFT was 4.5 (SD=4.62) and 45% had evidence of untreated decayed. Periodontal status was poor with 47% possessing periodontal pockets. Socio-demographics factors were associated with oral health literacy (P<0.001) and oral health behaviour (P<0.01). In addition socio-demographic factors were associated with dental caries status (P<0.01) and periodontal status (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Among low income families who participated in the study oral health literacy was poor with high levels of oral disease (often untreated). Oral health disparities in their oral health existed with respect to socio-demographic factors.