BMC Oral Health
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2018

Adaptation of child oral health education leaflets for Arabic migrants in Australia: A qualitative study (Article) (Open Access)

Arora A.* , Al-Salti I. , Murad H. , Tran Q. , Itaoui R. , Bhole S. , Ajwani S. , Jones C. , Manohar N.
  • a Western Sydney University, School of Science and Health, 24.2.97 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia, Sydney Local Health District, Oral Health Services and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, Australia, Sydney Medical School, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Westmead, Australia, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Collaboration for Oral Health Outcomes Research, Translation, Evaluation (COHORTE) Research Group, Liverpool, Australia
  • b The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry, Westmead, Australia
  • c The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry, Westmead, Australia
  • d The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry, Westmead, Australia
  • e Western Sydney University, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Penrith, Australia
  • f Sydney Local Health District, Oral Health Services and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, Australia, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry, Westmead, Australia
  • g Sydney Local Health District, Oral Health Services and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, Australia, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry, Westmead, Australia
  • h University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
  • i Western Sydney University, School of Science and Health, 24.2.97 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of Arabic-speaking mothers views on the usefulness of existing oral health education leaflets aimed at young children and also to record their views on the tailored versions of these leaflets. Methods: This qualitative study was nested within a large ongoing birth cohort study in South Western Sydney, Australia. Arabic-speaking mothers (n = 19) with young children were purposively selected and approached for a semi-structured interview. Two original English leaflets giving advice on young children's oral health were sent to mother's prior to the interview. On the day of interview, mothers were given simplified-English and Arabic versions of both the leaflets and were asked to compare the three versions. Interviews were audio-recorded, subsequently transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from Human Research Ethics Committees of the former Sydney South West Area Health Service, University of Sydney and Western Sydney University. Results: Mothers reported that simplified English together with the Arabic version of the leaflets were useful sources of information. Although many mothers favoured the simplified version over original English leaflets, the majority favoured the leaflets in Arabic. Ideally, a "dual Arabic - simplified English leaflet" was preferred. The understanding of key health messages was optimised through a simple layout and visual images. Conclusions: There is a need to tailor oral health education leaflets for Arabic-speaking migrants. Producers of dental leaflets should also consider a "dual Arabic - simplified English leaflet" to improve oral health knowledge of Arabic-speaking migrants. The use of simple layout and pictures assists Arabic-speaking migrants to understand the content of dental leaflets. © 2018 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

culturally and linguistically diverse Australia Oral health Arabic migrant

Index Keywords

education educational status Australia Oral Health human Arab Arabs procedures qualitative research Patient Education as Topic interview health Young Adult Humans migrant Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants female Infant Mothers child health patient education mother adult Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85040357039&doi=10.1186%2fs12903-017-0469-z&partnerID=40&md5=f545019e23cd691efa8cb5bfefe6c048
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-017-0469-z
ISSN: 14726831
Original Language: English