Authors: Nelson, Tanae S; Rogo, Ellen; Boyd, Linda D; Cartwright, Elizabeth

Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene, Number 5 Fall 1st October 2008 , pp. 68-68(1)

Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to describe the explanatory model of Mexican American mothers' perceptions of dental decay and to determine the decay rate of their children. A mixed methods research design was used to understand mothers' perception of dental decay. The sample was derived from volunteers in a community in Southeast Idaho, who responded to flyers posted at Hispanic organizations' locations. Mexican American mothers who had children between the ages of 3-14 and could read or write in Spanish or English scheduled appointments for an interview and their children's dental screening.

Interviews were conducted using Kleinman's explanatory model to illicit the mothers' perceptions of dental decay related to: etiology; onset of symptoms; pathophysiology; course of decay; and treatment. Interviews were conducted by three Hispanic health promoters, who used scripted open-ended questions. To assess the current decay rates of the children, a DMFT/deft and an active decay score were collected. One researcher conducted the dental assessments while another research recorded the data.

Thirty mothers and 54 children participated in the study. The qualitative data revealed that mothers were familiar with dental decay through personal experience and family members' experiences. Mothers were unaware of the cause of dental decay and recognized the onset of disease through pain. Pain was experienced on many levels and severe pain influenced daily functioning. Mothers believed cavities could progress and used home remedies to decrease pain. Professional dental treatment for decay was sought when pain was no longer manageable at home. Barriers such as a lack of money, lack of insurance, and problems related to language and transportation inhibited the participants' access to care.

The children's dental assessment data reported an average deft/DMFT score of 5.06 teeth and an active decay score of 2.11 teeth per child. These scores are consistent with past research on Mexican American children's high rate of decay. Mothers believed that decay was a serious condition; however, they faced many barriers in accessing oral health care.

Document Type: Abstract

Affiliations: 1: Idaho State University

Publication date: 2008-09-01

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