Caries Research
Volume 49, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 147-156

Evaluating the effect of a community-based lay health advisor training curriculum to address immigrant children's caries disparities (Article)

Hsu Y.-J. , Peng W.-D. , Chen J.-H. , Lin Y.-C. , Chang C.-S. , Chen T. , Hu C.-Y. , Ho P.-S. , Chen F.-L. , Lee C.-H. , Huang H.-L.
  • a Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan, School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
  • b Department of Medical Sociology and Social Work, College of Humanities and Social Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
  • c School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Dental Department, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiaokang Hospital, Taiwan
  • d School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
  • e Global Center of Excellence for Oral Health Research and Development, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • f Department of Global Community Health and Behavior Science, Tulane University, United States
  • g School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
  • h Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
  • i Department of Public Health, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
  • j Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • k Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan

Abstract

Previous programs had not designed the culturally adequate Lay Health Advisor (LHA) oral health training curriculum for medically underserved population. We evaluated the effects of LHA training curriculum for addressing immigrant children's caries disparities in their access to dental care. We used a pre/post-test study design. Immigrant women were recruited from churches, schools, and immigrant centers in an urban area. Four training classes were held. Each training cycle lasted 15 consecutive weeks, consisting of 1 weekly 2-h training session for 12 weeks followed by a 3-week practicum. The curriculum included training in caries-related knowledge, oral hygiene demonstrations, teaching techniques, communication skills, and hands-on practice sessions. Thirty-seven LHA trainees completed the course and passed the post-training exam. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires. The level of oral health knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes toward oral hygiene were significantly increased after LHA training. There was a significant and over twofold increase in trainees' oral hygiene behaviors. An increase of >20% in LHA and their children's dental checkup was observed following training. After training, LHAs were more likely to have 3+ times of brushing teeth [Odds Ratio (OR) = 13.14], brushing teeth 3+ minutes (OR = 3.47), modified bass method use (OR = 30.60), dental flossing (OR = 4.56), fluoride toothpaste use (OR = 5.63) and child's dental visit (OR = 3.57). The cross-cultural training curriculum designed for immigrant women serving as LHAs was effective in improvement of oral hygiene behaviors and access to dental care. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Author Keywords

Lay health advisor Health promotion Oral health Immigrant

Index Keywords

education Community Health Workers curriculum Medically Underserved Area health care planning Communication interpersonal communication human Health Behavior Oral Hygiene mouth hygiene Toothpaste Cariostatic Agents Fluorides dental health education health auxiliary Dental Care for Children fluoride tooth brushing procedures dental procedure Health Education, Dental anticaries agent Self Efficacy Young Adult Humans migrant Emigrants and Immigrants female dental caries self concept Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice program evaluation adult Culturally Competent Care transcultural care Healthcare Disparities Toothbrushing attitude to health health care delivery dental device teaching Health Services Accessibility Dental Devices, Home Care health care disparity Toothpastes Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84921914589&doi=10.1159%2f000363067&partnerID=40&md5=05d97bc442deae8d1cd5fee2f53552c0
DOI: 10.1159/000363067
ISSN: 00086568
Original Language: English