Oral Health of International Migrant Workers: Is Acculturation an Explanatory Factor?

Acculturation is an important explanatory factor for health inequality. This study evaluated the association between acculturation and oral health behaviours, dental service utilization, self-reported oral health, and oral health-related quality of life of international migrant workers in Singapore.

A total of 213 migrant workers were recruited and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on their socio-demographic background, oral health-related self-care practices (oral hygiene, diet, smoking, and betel nuts consumption), dental service utilization, and self-reported oral health status and symptoms. The Oral Health Impact Profile and Short Acculturation Scale were also included.

Migrant workers had more favourable self-care practices (frequent toothbrushing, less frequent snacking on sweets/desserts, and less chewing betel nut and leaves) in Singapore, as compared to in their home countries (all P < .05). Dental visits were, however, more uncommon in Singapore than in their home countries (P = .021) and were not associated with acculturation (P = .095). Per unit increase in acculturation was associated with lower odds to reduce snacking (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-1.00), higher odds to reduce smoking (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and betel nuts/leaves chewing (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), and lower odds of bleeding gums (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-1.00). Acculturation score was significantly higher among those who reported negative impacts on physical disability than in those who did not (53.88 vs 47.54; P = .010).

Favourable oral health behaviours are adopted by migrant workers after settlement in the host country, but their utilization of dental care declines. Acculturation is associated with behaviour changes and some oral health indicators.