Abstract
BackgroundUtilization of oral health services has been low among rural populations in Thailand, especially for minority ethnicity populations living along the borders. The aim of this study was to increase understanding of the determinants of the underutilization of oral health services among these populations.MethodsA qualitative study using in-depth interview and semi-structured interview was conducted among participants of Karen ethnicity living in Mae Tan Sub-district, Thasongyang District, Tak Province, Thailand. The interviews focused on exploring the participants’ perceptions of oral health problems, oral health and hygiene, and oral health-seeking behaviors. The verbatim-transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 101 participants (50 adults and 51 children) with a Karen ethnic background took part in the interviews. Most participants could not identify oral health problems and did not perceive dental disease as a problem unless there was severe pain that could not be relieved by painkillers. The Karen ethnic community worked as subsistence farmers, and their busy daily activities consisted of farming, going to the forest to hunt and gather, performing housework, and taking care of their children. Dental health was given a lower priority compared with general health. The perceived value of primary teeth was low, which was identified as an underlying factor resulting in delayed oral health care seeking among this population. The participants had relied on self-care throughout their lifetimes, using either traditional medicines or modern painkillers to relieve toothaches. Fear of dental procedures among children was also described as a barrier to seeking dental health care.ConclusionsThis study found that the lifestyle and traditions of Karen people living in this area influence their oral health care and hygiene activities as well as their health-seeking behaviors. Further research should emphasize how to improve oral health promotion by providing necessary services and health education appropriately to Karen ethnic populations living along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Highlights
Utilization of oral health services has been low among rural populations in Thailand, especially for minority ethnicity populations living along the borders
In Thailand, there are a number of barriers to accessing oral health care among people living in remote areas [1]
Studies regarding the folk knowledge, perceptions, and oral healthseeking behaviors of populations living along the border areas of Thailand are lacking, despite high rates of oral health problems among these people
Summary
Utilization of oral health services has been low among rural populations in Thailand, especially for minority ethnicity populations living along the borders. Studies regarding the folk knowledge, perceptions, and oral healthseeking behaviors of populations living along the border areas of Thailand are lacking, despite high rates of oral health problems among these people. Exploring the reasons for low oral health utilization in these communities require an understanding of community awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs regarding teeth, dental illness, and oral hygiene, which can influence the oral health care-seeking behaviors among this population in Thailand. Such an understanding will provide useful information for future oral health promotion programs in these communities. The present study explored folk oral health knowledge, perceptions, and oral health care-seeking behaviors among the population of Mae Tan Sub-district, Thasongyang District, Thailand
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