Public attitudes to water fluoridation in Scotland
Colwyn Jones1, Raymond J Lowry2, Rita Brophy3
1Honorary Senior Lecturer, Edinburgh University, UK. colwyn.jones@hotmail.com.
British Dental Journal
|August 5, 2022
Summary
Public opinion in Scotland strongly supports community water fluoridation for reducing tooth decay. Most Scots are unaware of their water
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Health
- Social Science Research
Background:
- Scotland currently has no artificial water fluoridation programs.
- There is a lack of recent data on public opinion regarding community water fluoridation in Scotland.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding public attitudes towards water fluoridation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public attitudes towards community water fluoridation in three urban Scottish areas.
- To identify respondents' sources of information on water fluoridation.
- To determine public awareness of local water supply fluoridation status and overall attitude.
Main Methods:
- A face-to-face, random on-street survey of 410 individuals was conducted.
- A quota sample was used, with proportions set for age and sex, based on previous studies.
- Six closed-ended questions and demographic data were collected.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (88%) of respondents had no recent exposure to information about water fluoridation.
- Only 17% correctly identified that their local water supply is not fluoridated; 36% incorrectly believed it was.
- Among those with an opinion, 88% favored adding fluoride to water to reduce tooth decay; overall, 63% supported it.
Conclusions:
- Public opinion in Scotland remains strongly in favor of community water fluoridation.
- Regular monitoring of public opinion by health boards and the Scottish Government is recommended.
- This data can inform the implementation of water fluoridation as a public health measure.
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