Societal Determinants of Cultural Factors Related to the Dental Health of Older Black Americans.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of the Health Belief Model in explaining the dental health of older black Americans, by examining the relationship between the dental health status of older black Americans and the following societal determinants: (1) ethnicity; (2) environment; (3) education; and (4) economics. Dental health beliefs and practices of this population were examined to determine the effect on their dental health (i.e., the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth). In addition, the participants' perceived susceptibility to, and perceived severity of, dental caries were analyzed to ascertain decision-making behavior for taking action to prevent or minimize dental problems. The sample employed in this study consisted of 122 black American males and females between the ages of 55-97. They were either retired, employed, or unemployed members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Retired and Older Workers Department. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and analyzed by using the Michigan Interactive Data Analysis System (MIDAS). Frequency distribution and two-way analyses were performed through the use of percentages and cross-tabulations for the total sample. Implicit in this study was the assumption that dental health beliefs and practices of older black Americans are rooted in certain social and demographic characteristics. The proposed relationships between the indicated societal determinants and the dental health of older black Americans were generally supported. The degree of the differential in personal oral health habits and use of dental services was significantly related to environmental factors (i.e., social conditions and geographic locations), education, and income. Dental health beliefs and practices were generally positively correlated to dental health. The findings indicated that many dental problems now very acute among the elderly will become less serious among the elderly of the future with proper education. More elderly persons will keep their natural teeth and a larger percentage will seek dental care. It was concluded from this investigation that there is a need for dental health education for both the dentulous and edentulous population.