Validating a Conceptual Model on Topical Fluoride Hesitancy With Latino Parents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Health Equity

Background:

• Fluoride hesitancy presents a public health challenge, particularly for minoritized groups.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for addressing oral health disparities.
• Existing models of fluoride hesitancy require evaluation for diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the applicability of a topical fluoride hesitancy model to Latino parents.
• To explore differences in model applicability between Spanish-speaking Latino (SL) and English-speaking Latino (EL) parents.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with non-Latino English-speaking parents (N=50), SL parents (n=8), and EL parents (n=8).
• Deductive coding of transcripts and comparison to an existing 21-category, six-domain conceptual model.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of findings across parent groups.

Main Results:

• The existing model generally fit both SL and EL parents.
• Latino parents showed higher representation in domains related to uncertainty, pressure, and choice compared to non-Latino parents.
• EL parents prioritized a healthy diet over fluoride; SL parents expressed less knowledge about fluoride.

Conclusions:

• The conceptual model for fluoride hesitancy is largely applicable to Latino parents.
• Tailoring communication and interventions based on language preference is recommended for Latino parents.
• Addressing fluoride hesitancy requires culturally and linguistically sensitive approaches to promote oral health equity.