Faculty Collaboration Database

Hmong adults self-rated oral health: a pilot study. J Immigr Minor Health 2008 Feb;10(1):81-8

Date

06/05/2007

Pubmed ID

17546502

DOI

10.1007/s10903-007-9054-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-37249041526 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   14 Citations

Abstract

Since 1975, the Hmong refugee population in the U.S. has increased over 200%. However, little is known about their dental needs or self-rated oral health (SROH). The study aims were to: (1) describe the SROH, self-rated general health (SRGH), and use of dental/physician services; and (2) identify the factors associated with SROH among Hmong adults. A cross-sectional study design with locating sampling methodology was used. Oral health questionnaire was administered to assess SROH and SRGH, past dental and physician visits, and language preference. One hundred twenty adults aged 18-50+ were recruited and 118 had useable information. Of these, 49% rated their oral health as poor/fair and 30% rated their general health as poor/fair. Thirty-nine percent reported that they did not have a regular source of dental care, 46% rated their access to dental care as poor/fair, 43% visited a dentist and 66% visited a physician within the past 12 months. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that access to dental care, past dental visits, age and SRGH were significantly associated with SROH (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses demonstrated a strong association between access to dental care and good/excellent SROH. About half of Hmong adults rated their oral health and access to dental care as poor. Dental insurance, access to dental care, past preventive dental/physician visits and SRGH were associated with SROH.

Author List

Okunseri C, Yang M, Gonzalez C, LeMay W, Iacopino AM

Author

Christopher Okunseri DDS,MS Associate Professor and Director in the Clinical Services department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Asia, Southeastern
Dental Care
Dental Health Surveys
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Oral Health
Oral Hygiene
Pilot Projects
Regression Analysis
Self-Assessment
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tooth Diseases
United States