Oral Health related behaviours of a Caribbean group living in South London

ABSTRACT

According to the 1991 census there are approximately 3 million people from minority ethnic groups residing in England and Wales, which constitutes 6 percent of the total population. The Black Caribbean group are the second largest ethnic group living in England and Wales today, however there is little dental research aimed towards this group when compared to other ethnic groups. It is essential to gain an understanding in the way ethnic groups live and behave as all are inherently different and therefore can not be seen as homogenous, especially when planning services and implementing policy. This piece of research aimed to look at a number of oral health related practices of Caribbean groups living in the South London area in order to gain an understanding and insight into this particular group. Community groups were used as a starting point to gain access. The method of data collection used was quantitative. Group leaders were willing to participate once the aims of the research had been explained. The majority of the sample, 64.7 percent cleaned their teeth twice a day. There was an even split between those who regularly attended the dentist, 23 percent and those who only attended when in pain, 25 percent. When asked "where they last went for treatment in the UK." 60 percent said they went to an N.H.S dentist, 16 percent reported "never" attending the dentist. The majority of respondents had not experienced any problems with their teeth in the last month, however bleeding gums was reported most frequently in this particular ethnic group. When asked if the respondents were "satisfied" or "not satisfied" with their teeth, 60 percent felt satisfied. Concern relating to dissatisfaction was attached to colour, fillings and size of teeth. The research points to areas of concern amongst this ethnic group. Despite claiming to clean their teeth on a regular basis their dental attendance was very poor, only attending when in pain. Therefore oral hygiene appeared to be high but did not match their attendance patterns. Irregular attendance could be due to factors such as access and lack of information. It is apparent that research of this nature is essential in order to gain a clearer understanding of attitudes and behaviour of different ethnic groups. (AU)