Oral health acculturation in Albanian-speakers in south London.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the processes involved in oral health acculturation for Albanian-speakers in south London.


METHODS
A qualitative study utilizing 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with a purposive sample of 23 Albanian-speakers. Participants were recruited through community groups and by a snowball technique. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.


RESULTS
Participants attended the dentist more regularly and brushed their teeth more frequently in the U.K., particularly those from lower social class groups. However, young people consumed more sweet foods and drinks than in Kosovo. The priority of oral health was higher in the U.K. for most participants. Mothers of young children were more interested in prevention in the U.K., mainly as a result of receiving oral health information from health visitors and agencies such as Sure Start. However, oral health priorities generally remained treatment focused. Participants mainly attributed behavioural and attitudinal changes to structural and material factors such as the absence of war, higher living standards, better access to oral health information, products and dental services, and the greater availability of highly desirable sweet foods and drinks in the U.K.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding changes in social context may be crucial for comprehending the processes of oral health acculturation in immigrant populations. Material and structural changes which impact on oral health behaviours may be overlooked. Improving oral health knowledge can be a crucial step in shifting oral health priorities from a treatment to a prevention focus. However, unhealthy choices may persist due to the impact of wider cultural norms.
Bower
E
E
Department of Oral Health Services Research & Dental Public Health, GKT Dental Institute, London. elizabeth.bower@kcl.ac.uk
Newton
J T
JT
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000415:Albania / Q000208:ethnology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006292:Health Priorities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D011313:Preventive Dentistry; D012923:Social Class; D012924:Social Conditions; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data