title: Diversity considerations for promoting early childhood oral health: a pilot study.
abstract: Objectives. Several groups in Manitoba, Canada, experience early childhood caries (ECC), including Aboriginal, immigrant, and refugee children and those from select rural regions. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the views of parents and caregivers from four cultural groups on early childhood oral health and ECC. Methods. A qualitative descriptive study design using focus groups recruited parents and caregivers from four cultural groups. Discussions were documented, audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed for content based on themes. Results. Parents and caregivers identified several potential barriers to good oral health practice, including child's temperament, finances, and inability to control sugar intake. Both religion and genetics were found to influence perceptions of oral health. Misconceptions regarding breastfeeding and bottle use were present. One-on-one discussions, parental networks, and using laypeople from similar backgrounds were suggested methods to promote oral health. The immigrant and refugee participants placed emphasis on the use of visuals for those with language barriers while Hutterite participants suggested a health-education approach. Conclusions. These pilot study findings provide initial insight into the oral health-related knowledge and beliefs of these groups. This will help to inform planning of ECC prevention and research strategies, which can be tailored to specific populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Science, University of Manitoba, 507-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3P4 ; Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, 490 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3A 0X7.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prowse
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Science, University of Manitoba, 507-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3P4 ; The Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3P4.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Schroth
authors.affiliation: College of Education, University of Saskatchewan, 28 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0X1.
authors.forename: Alexandria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, 490 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3A 0X7 ; Manitoba Health, 300 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2K6.
authors.forename: Jeanette M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: College of Education, University of Saskatchewan, 28 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0X1.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sarson
authors.affiliation: The Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3P4.
authors.forename: Jeremy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Levi
authors.affiliation: The Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3P4 ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, S113-750 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0W3 ; Research & Applied Learning, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, 650 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 1E2.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Moffatt