THE HONG-KONG ADULT ORAL HEALTH SURVEY - 1991 - BACKGROUND, STUDY POPULATION, AND METHODS

This second adult oral health survey was conducted with the following main aims: 1) to describe the oral health conditions and to analyse th e oral health care needs and demands of 65-74-yr-olds in Hong Kong, an d to propose appropriate strategies for meeting their needs in the lig ht of societal obligations; 2) to describe the oral health conditions and to analyse the oral health care needs and demands of 35-44-yr-olds in Hong Kong with special emphasis on assessment of changes in this a ge group since 1984 (when the first adult oral health survey was condu cted); 3) to assess the impact of sociodemographic and dental care sys tem factors on the oral health status of selected adult age groups: an d 4) to utilize survey data to refine curriculum development and resea rch strategies in the Faculty of Dentistry, as well as in the proposal of appropriate action to governmental committees on dental health pol icy. For enhanced comparability with the previous study, the 35-44-yr- olds were selected from the same geographic areas of Hong Kong Island. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit the study population, defined geographic units and addresses being used as the starting-poi nt. A sample of 398 subjects was selected, of whom 93% were both inter viewed and clinically examined. The 65-74-yr-olds were recruited from housing estates in all principal areas of Hong Kong, yielding a sample of 559 subjects, of whom 96% were both interviewed and clinically exa mined. The analysis of the data was based on the model used by the Int ernational Collaborative Study II, from which other methodologic guida nce had been sought. The definitions of selected sociodemographic vari ables such as occupation, income, Family Material Possession Index, fa mily support, and dental anxiety, which are relevant to the whole stud y, are given here.