Understanding the oral health beliefs and behaviours among the tribal population of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Regardless of the improvements in the field of healthcare, there is a section of people who live away from civilization known as ‘indigenous people’ or ‘tribals’. Information regarding oral health status is instrumental in the planning and implementation of oral health policies and programmes related to promotion of oral health. The aim of the study was to understand the oral health beliefs and behaviour of the tribal population of Chamarajanagar district.Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of 256 tribals of Chamarajanagar district was conducted. A modified WHO oral health questionnaire (2013) was utilized to collect the data. The recorded data was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.Results: Based on the age-category, majority of them belonged to the age group of 35-44 years. All the participants belonged to the sub-caste of Soligas. The results showed that the perceived barriers for seeking oral health care are high and poor utilization of the oral health care services were observed, but the participants had good knowledge regarding oral health which increases the cues for action.Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that the participants might have favorable compliance for oral health promotional programs.