Abstract
BackgroundThe oral health of pre-schoolers is garnering international as a crisis as good oral health is a key precursor to positive health outcomes. Internationally, and within Aotearoa/New Zealand, responses been restricted to those based in a medical model and the commercialisation of oral health. Absent from existing commentary are the lived realities of parents/caregivers beliefs, attitudes and responsiveness, or lack of, to the oral health of pre-schoolers.MethodsThe researcher undertook a discursive analysis of parents/caregivers narratives to understand the barriers to engaging in effective protective behaviours. The 15 focus groups were conducted in urban and rural locations across Aotearoa/New Zealand.ResultsA discursive analysis revealed several pervasive discourses, including ‘second chance’ and ‘enjoyment’ discourses, and systems-related deficits that act as barriers to engaging in good oral healthcare practices.ConclusionsThe analysis demonstrates the benefit of placing the lived experiences of parents/caregivers as central to the development of oral health interventions. There is a need to link oral health data with primary care data and to distribute accurate oral health information to support parents’/caregivers’ decision making. This research reveals several pervasive discourses and systems-related deficits that provide a fertile ground for future public health responsiveness.
Highlights
The oral health of pre-schoolers is garnering international as a crisis as good oral health is a key precursor to positive health outcomes
Roguski and McBride-Henry BMC Oral Health (2020) 20:182 good oral health starts in young children [4] it is surprising that health promotion efforts have been developed based on a medicalised model that is external to the lived experiences of parents/caregivers of pre-schoolers
Participant contexts Based on participant narratives, two distinct groups were identified which differed according to knowledge of preschool oral health
Summary
The oral health of pre-schoolers is garnering international as a crisis as good oral health is a key precursor to positive health outcomes. Sustained poor oral health is linked to poor health outcomes [2, 4] These include pain, tooth loss, poor nutritional intake, social isolation and in is one of the Roguski and McBride-Henry BMC Oral Health (2020) 20:182 good oral health starts in young children [4] it is surprising that health promotion efforts have been developed based on a medicalised model that is external to the lived experiences of parents/caregivers of pre-schoolers. This has become increasingly important given recent findings that indicate health promotion efforts have failed to assuage a growing crisis of pre-school children. Research of this nature provides insights into the manner current health service delivery can be re-oriented and assist in identify actionable areas for public health and health promotors
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