A racial comparison of sociocultural factors and oral health perceptions

There are limited data regarding race, sociocultural factors and dental outcomes such as oral health perceptions. The purpose of this study is to recognize and determine whether sociocultural factors impact oral health practices, and how these relate to oral health care perceptions among African American (AA) and Asian American (AS) comparison groups.

In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique among new enrolling patients of AA and AS origin at the New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). Sociocultural factors such as low education level, poor access to care, limited financial status and perceptions of oral health such as brushing and flossing were studied.

Among 139 participants, 86 (61.87%) were AA and 53 (38.13%) were AS. Compared to AS, AA had poorer access to care (58.14% vs. 43.40%, p<0.01) and cost was a greater financial barrier for dental care (41.86% vs. 26.41%, p<0.01). Race was the strongest predictor of oral health perceptions (OR =2.27, p<0.05) followed by limited financial status (OR =1.335 p<0.05) and poor access to care (OR =1.299 p<0.01). AA had more adverse oral health perceptions (83.72% vs. 69.81%, p<0.05), higher incidence of dental decay (13.95% vs 7.54%, p<0.05) and mixed disease (dental decay and periodontal disease) (88.37% vs. 60.37%, p<0.05) compared to AS. There was no difference in oral health practices (brushing and flossing) between the two populations.

AA had more adverse oral health perceptions and higher incidence of dental disease than AS. Cultural influences have an impact on perceptions and behaviors that may affect oral health. Therefore, cultural awareness and competency among oral health professionals should be emphasized.