Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore whether oral health was an important consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy, whether oral health could be promoted by Aboriginal health staff, and strategies that would be appropriate to use in a new model of care. A qualitative descriptive methodology underpinned the study. All participants in this study identified as Aboriginal, with no Torres Strait Islander participants, and were from New South Wales, Australia. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the data, two themes were constructed. The first theme identified that oral health was not always the first priority for participants as poor accessibility alongside other competing commitments were challenges to accessing oral health services. The second theme highlighted how relationships with personal networks and healthcare providers were essential and could be used to support maternal oral health during pregnancy. Effective strategies to promote oral health during pregnancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women should involve key stakeholders and health care providers, like Aboriginal Health Workers, to facilitate culturally safe support and tailored oral health advice.
Highlights
IntroductionIndigenous pregnant women need culturally safe antenatal support to ensure good health and wellbeing [1,2]
This study explored whether oral health was important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy, whether oral health could be promoted through Aboriginal health staff inclusive of Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) and Family Partnership Workers (FPWs), and strategies that would be appropriate to use in a model of care
The findings found that information needs to be delivered face-to-face from a dental or other antenatal care provider that has an established connection with the Aboriginal woman
Summary
Indigenous pregnant women need culturally safe antenatal support to ensure good health and wellbeing [1,2]. In the Australian context, Aboriginal and Torres Strait. Islander peoples experience poorer health outcomes at birth and across the lifespan compared to other Australian peoples [3]. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are respectfully referred to as the diverse groups of peoples and nations who were the first custodians and owners of the land [4]. Improving maternal health during pregnancy offers an opportunity to contribute to closing the gap in health inequalities between
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