Immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Chih-Chang Chen,Ted Chen,Chun-Chan Ting,Hsiao-Ling Huang,Chien-Hung Lee,Shang-Jyh Chiou,Ya-Ying Lin,Fu-Li Chen,Chin-Shun Chang,Chih-Cheng Hsu,Ying-Chun Lin

doi:10.1186/1472-6831-14-3

Abstract

BackgroundWith the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. This study assessed immigrant-native differences in oral health behaviors of urban mothers and their children.MethodsWe used the baseline data of an oral health promotion program to examine the immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from mothers in urban area, Taiwan. A total of 150 immigrant and 440 native mothers completed the self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models analyzed the racial differences in oral health behaviors.ResultsApproximately 37% of immigrant mothers used dental floss, 25% used fluoride toothpaste, and only 13.5% of them regularly visited a dentist. Less that 40% of immigrant mothers brush their children’s teeth before aged one year, 45% replaced child’s toothbrush within 3 months, and only half of the mothers regularly took their child to the dentist. Immigrant mothers had lower level of caries-related knowledge and attitudes than native mothers (p < .001). Compared to native group, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss ([Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.35], fluoride toothpaste (aOR = 0.29), visit a dentist in the past 2 years (aOR = 0.26), and take their children to regular dental check-up (aOR = 0.38); whereas, they were more likely to not consume sweeten beverages (aOR = 3.13).ConclusionsThe level of caries-related knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors were found lower in immigrant mothers than native ones. The findings suggested cross-cultural caries prevention programs aimed at reducing immigrant-native disparities in child oral health care must be developed for these immigrant minorities.

Highlights

With the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue
After adjusting for potential covariates, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss [Adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.17-0.75], use of fluoride toothpaste and dental visit in the past 2 years; whereas they were more likely to not consuming sweeten beverages
Mothers who have higher level of caries-related knowledge were more likely to use of dental floss, fluoride toothpaste and dental visit in the past 2 years

Summary

Introduction

With the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. Dental caries affects general health and the quality of life in preschool children [1]. Pain caused by severe caries can cause poor chewing and affected the quantity and variety of food eaten. It can make eating of high sucrose diet more likely that can compromise intake of other nutrients [1,2]. The majority of immigrant women are Vietnamese (64.7%) and Indonesian (20.5%), followed by Thais, Filipinos, and Cambodians. These women are colloquially called “foreign brides” or “alien brides” because their marriages were arranged by marriage brokers. One in 12 children were born of a foreign spouse by 2011 [4]

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Conclusion