Perceptions of dental care need among African-American elders: implications for health promotion.
The aim of this study was to assess perceived dental care need, actual clinical need and the relationship between these variables and care-seeking behavior among community residing African-American elders. A convenience sample of 146 elders responded to a survey and participated in oral screenings at six senior centers. Elders were categorized as needing routine dental care, some dental care, or urgent dental care. Most (61%) required dental care with one-fourth having urgent dental care needs. Elders reporting a problem tended to seek dental care more often within a year (38%) than those not reporting a problem (27%). Sixty-four percent did not currently have a dental provider. The majority (83%) rated their general health as being fair or good and few (9%) reported oral pain. These findings suggest developing health promotion programs that emphasize non-painful oral signs and symptoms, accompanied by associated general health implications that may compromise overall health.
Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 4001 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146-6003, USA. yas@pobox.upenn.edu
Ann
A
Slaughter
Lynne
L
Taylor
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000145:classification; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D009909:Oral Health; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012649:Self Concept; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000523:psychology