Tailor-made Oral Health Education for Pakistani Adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: Pakistani is one of the main ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong. This project aimed to investigate the oral health knowledge, attitudes, practice and status of Pakistani adults, deliver tailor-made oral health education programme to this community, and evaluate the effectiveness of this programme. Methods: With the support of four non-governmental organizations (NGO), 108 Pakistani adults (aged 18 years+) were recruited. A questionnaire on their oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice was completed. Their oral hygiene status was assessed using the Visible Plaque Index and Gingival Bleeding Index. Oral health knowledge and skill training were delivered to them using tailor-made materials (pamphlets and video) and customized oral hygiene advice. These materials were designed based on the information collected from a focus group discussion with the target community and consultation with the NGO staff. After 1 month, 53 (49%) participants were re-evaluated. Their tooth status (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) and periodontal condition (Community Periodontal Index) were also recorded.

Results: Poor oral health knowledge (especially on periodontal health) and attitudes were found among the participants. Their need for treatment of caries and periodontal disease was high. No participant had healthy gingiva and 59% had at least one untreated decayed tooth. Their utilization of dental services was scarce. Our oral health education programme has significantly improved their overall knowledge on oral health (p=0.041), especially on periodontal diseases, but not on attitudes (p=0.927). No statistically significant change was found in their toothbrushing habits, despite the slight decrease in number of irregular brushers (11% to 6%; p=0.125). Significant reduction in % surfaces with visible plaque accumulation was observed (37% to 33%, p=0.033).

Conclusions: This study revealed unsatisfactory dental awareness and poor oral health status of Pakistani adults. Tailor-made oral health education programmes were useful for oral health promotion in this minority community.