Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Continue conducting studies on the sociocultural influences on immigrants’ oral health to better understand its complexities and potential areas of intervention.
Community organizations: n/a
Integration timeline: 1st generation immigrant parents
Key findings:
1) The average parental acculturation level was 10.46 (out of 15), and the average parental perceived social support (PSS) was 63.27 (out of 75).
2) 77% of the variance of children’s dental caries was explained by parental PSS, acculturation level, immigration-related variables, socioeconomic variables and children’s oral health (OH) behaviours.
3) The direct effect of parental PSS was associated with a significantly reduced rate of dental caries and lower sugar consumption.
4) The mediation effect of parental acculturation on PSS was associated with positive OH behaviours of children (e.g., toothbrushing frequency and dental care utilization).
5) The indirect effect of increased parental acculturation was a negative association with dental caries rate.
Key populations: 1st generation immigrant parents with children ages 2- 12 years old
Key recommendations:
1) Increase awareness of the sociocultural factors influencing immigrants’ oral health and take those factors into consideration by all stakeholders.
2) Educate dental practitioners in sociocultural factors when treating immigrant patients and for community workers when developing oral health promotion programs.
