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Improving utilisation of dental services by understanding cultural difference
1Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand.
International Dental Journal
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Disadvantaged ethnic and lower socio-economic groups experience poorer overall and dental health. Understanding cultural factors is crucial for improving access to dental care for these high-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Research indicates higher morbidity and mortality in lower socio-economic and ethnic minority groups.
- Similar disparities exist in dental health status and morbidity across different populations.
- New Zealand data highlight poorer overall and dental health in specific population segments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing health and dental care access for disadvantaged groups.
- To emphasize the need for culturally sensitive approaches in health service delivery.
- To inform future strategies for New Zealand's dental health services.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Second International Collaborative Study (ICSII) in New Zealand.
- Examination of health status and service utilization patterns across socio-economic and ethnic groups.
- Review of existing health and medical research and anecdotal evidence.
Main Results:
- Lower socio-economic status, ethnic background, and cultural affiliations correlate with differential health status.
- These groups also exhibit varied rates of health service utilization.
- Cultural beliefs and attitudes significantly influence health and dental care access.
Conclusions:
- Addressing health inequities requires understanding the multifaceted factors affecting high-risk groups.
- Culturally informed strategies are essential for improving the availability and uptake of preventive dental care.
- New Zealand's dental health services must prioritize cultural understanding to reduce disparities.