Dental care behavior and barriers to dental services among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: Non-Chinese ethnic minority contributes 6.4% to the Hong Kong population (Population Census, 2011). Among them, 3.7 % or around 17000 are Napalese. Many of them were the previous Gurkha brigades and their families. Cultural difference exists amongst different ethnic groups. Such difference may lead to barrier dental care habits and in communication with healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore dental care behavior and barriers to dental services among Napalese in Hong Kong. Methods: Adult Napalese were recruited from a local community centre. They completed a questionnaire which explored their usual language used, dental health behaviors, perceived barriers in seeking dental services and demographic information. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using a simplified Geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI). Results: 42 Nepalese adults, (mean age=48.5 and SD=7.1, 30 females) completed the questionnaires. 52% can speak Cantonese or English and 38% can read either languages. Two-thirds brushed at least twice a day and about 60% claimed to use fluoridated toothpaste. Only one-third of them visited dentist in Hong Kong in their last visit while more than half visited dentists in their hometown. 69% encountered barriers to obtain dental services and the most common barrier was financial constraints (31%). The mean GOHAI score was 27.3 (SD = 3.0). More Napalese who cannot speak either Cantonese or English encountered barriers in communication when they wanted to seek dental services (p<0.05). Napalese who encountered barriers had a significantly lower mean GOHAI score than those who did not (p=0.005). Conclusions: Most Napalese residing in Hong Kong encountered barriers to seek dental services and most of them did not seek local dental services. Financial constraint was the most reported barrier.