An ethnographic study for understanding children's oral health in a multicultural community

Objective: To provide guidance for a public health intervention in a high c aries rate multicultural population by understanding cultural issues surrou nding children's oral health. Method: Seven community focus groups were con ducted with five ethnic populations (Chamorro, Filipino, Carolinian, Pohnpe an, and Chuukese) living on the island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the North ern Mariana Islands, USA. Participants: were asked questions about their be liefs, attitudes, knowledge, and care practices regarding issues around chi ldren's oral health. Results: Analysis consisted of a content review of par ticipants' responses within two targeted areas: past and current attitudes and health beliefs, and behaviours impacting risk of developing disease. Bo th the lack of value of baby teeth and negative parental experiences are fa ctors underlying health beliefs and behaviours. Although some differences i n beliefs and practices existed across cultural groups, most women were int erested in learning about new preventive strategies to reduce dental diseas e. Several new mothers reported that they actively sought out parenting inf ormation during their initial pregnancy. Conclusions: Aversive parental exp erience and disregard for primary dentition were identified as serious obst acles to be addressed in order for any new programme to be effective. Despi te these obstacles, new mothers were open to information and strategies to reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries.