Exploring Brazilian Immigrant Mothers’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding Their Preschool Children’s Oral Health: A Qualitative Study Conducted in the United States
2024

Brazilian Immigrant Mothers' Views on Their Children's Oral Health

Sample size: 29 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nogueira Denise Lima, Miranda Fontenele Maria Gabriela, Bento Adriana, Cohen Steven A., Greaney Mary L., Lindsay Ana Cristina

Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston

Hypothesis

What beliefs and practices do Brazilian immigrant mothers in the U.S. have regarding their preschool children's oral health?

Conclusion

Brazilian immigrant mothers face significant barriers in promoting their children's oral health, despite recognizing its importance.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mothers emphasized the importance of proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
  • Barriers included limited access to care and linguistic challenges.
  • 96.6% of mothers scored low on the SASH scale, indicating low acculturation levels.

Takeaway

Moms from Brazil living in the U.S. want their kids to have healthy teeth, but they struggle with things like language and finding a dentist.

Methodology

The study used semi-structured interviews with Brazilian immigrant mothers to explore their beliefs and practices regarding their children's oral health.

Potential Biases

Social desirability bias may influence the accuracy of reported behaviors.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable to other immigrant groups and could be affected by selection bias.

Participant Demographics

{"mean_age":33.9,"race_distribution":{"mixed_race":55.2,"white":31.0,"black":13.8},"marital_status":{"married_or_living_with_partner":75.9,"divorced_or_separated":10.3,"single":13.8},"education":{"less_than_high_school":13.8,"high_school_graduate":55.2,"more_than_high_school":31.0},"household_income":{"less_than_45000":27.6},"children_count":{"one_child":86.2},"years_in_us":{"average_years":5.8},"primary_language":"Portuguese","acculturation":{"low_acculturation":96.6},"healthcare_insurance":{"public":93.1},"dental_insurance":{"masshealth":55.2}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph21121574

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