Oral health knowledge, beliefs and practices of a sample of Chinese elders in Inner London, UK, aged 54 years and over: a pilot investigation.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the self-reported oral health and health behaviours of a sample of Inner London Chinese elders and the impact of their self-reported oral health on their social functioning and eating ability.

DESIGN

Cross sectional.

SETTING

Luncheon clubs in Central and East London, UK.

SUBJECTS

54 Chinese elders aged 54-81 years.

INTERVENTION

A structured questionnaire, administered by two interviewers in Cantonese.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Knowledge and beliefs about the causes and prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, the oral conditions experienced in the previous twelve months and the impact of these conditions.

RESULTS

Overall health was rated more positively than oral health, although those who reported below average oral health were more likely to report below average overall health. Whilst over half thought that sugar and sweet food could cause tooth decay, only 19% thought that poor oral hygiene could cause gum disease. Over half thought that "hot air" caused gum disease. Three quarters brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Two thirds had experienced at least one oral condition in the previous twelve months, with the more elderly being more likely to report this. Social impacts affected 41% of the sample whilst 44% suffered at least one dietary impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of oral conditions is substantial, especially on the more elderly members, impacting on the performance of social functions. These burdens indicate a need for oral health services. Beliefs in the traditional Chinese explanation of "hot air" as a cause of gum disease were common. Health promotion effort should consider these when developing health messages.