Saub R, Jaafar N
Department of Community Dentistry, Dental Faculty, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Med J Malaysia. 2001 Dec;56(4):401-7.
This observational study investigates and describes the oral health beliefs and illness behaviour in the Semai tribe of Orang Asli community. Data was obtained from a "Key informant interview" method i.e. the village Tok Halaq (Traditional healer). Information about common oral diseases and conditions were illustrated with enlarged pictures of dental caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer and cleft. The most common oral problem was toothache. This is treated by self-medication. However if the pain still persist, the Tok Halaq was consulted to start traditional methods. He will identify the cause. If "germs" were thought to be the cause, he will ask the person to see a doctor. Otherwise, he attempts traditional treatment. If the effort failed after a few days, the person will be advised to see a doctor. It appears that the Tok Halaq plays an influential role in prevention, promotion and the healing process in this community. Hence any effort to promote oral health and prevent oral disease must seek their cooperation. Their beliefs on causes of common oral diseases are described in the text.
这项观察性研究调查并描述了原住民社区塞迈部落的口腔健康观念和疾病行为。数据通过“关键 informant 访谈”方法获取，即与村庄的 Tok Halaq（传统治疗师）进行访谈。关于常见口腔疾病和状况的信息通过龋齿、牙周病、口腔癌和腭裂的放大图片进行展示。最常见的口腔问题是牙痛。人们会自行用药治疗。然而，如果疼痛仍然持续，就会咨询 Tok Halaq 以开始采用传统方法。他会找出病因。如果认为是“病菌”导致的，他会要求患者去看医生。否则，他会尝试传统治疗。如果几天后治疗没有效果，就会建议患者去看医生。在这个社区中，Tok Halaq 在预防、促进和治疗过程中似乎发挥着有影响力的作用。因此，任何促进口腔健康和预防口腔疾病的努力都必须寻求他们的合作。文本中描述了他们对常见口腔疾病病因的看法。
