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.
Slaughter
Ann
A
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
Taylor
Lynne
L
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