Background: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between acculturation patterns and oral health behaviours and attitudes among Japanese immigrants in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Methods: This cross-sectional study used 3 questionnaires: a selfdesigned demographic/socioeconomic questionnaire, the East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM) to identify acculturation patterns of East Asian immigrants after migration to North America, and a modification of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) to evaluate oral health behaviours and attitudes. The convenience sample (N = 48) was recruited by networking. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman (rs) and Pearson (r) correlations, independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Mean HU-DBI scores were 3.16 of 12 total. Mean EAAM scores were as follows: assimilation, 2.86; separation, 3.71; integration, 4.41; and marginalization, 3.08 of 7.0 total. Pearson correlation analysis indicated an inverse association between age and assimilation (r =-0.392, p = 0.012). Income was significantly associated with oral health behaviours and attitudes (rs = 0.287). Marginalization (p = 0.022), detachment from both cultures, was the only significant predictor of HU-DBI scores; the higher the marginalization, the lower the HU-DBI. Separation, the reconfirmation of traditional culture, was suggestive of a prediction (p = 0.051). Conclusion: Improvement in oral health behaviours and attitudes in Japanese immigrants is needed. Because a relationship exists between acculturation and oral behaviours/attitudes, oral health education in dental hygiene practice and public health programs should target Japanese immigrants, with special consideration for less acculturated individuals and those in lower socioeconomic strata. Further study of relationships between acculturation and oral health behaviours is indicated. © 2016 Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

Health behaviour Oral health Acculturation

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