Oral Health Beliefs, Perceptions and Utilisation of Oral Health Care Services among the Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.4
- Author:
Izzati Mohd Khairunjauhari
1
,
2
;
Nor Faezah Md Bohari
3
;
Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi
3
;
Ilham Wan Mokhtar
4
Author Information
1. Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia&
2. Ministry of Health, Malaysia
3. Centre of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
4. Centre of Comprehensive Care Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Oral health beliefs, oral health care services, oral health perception, indigenous people, Orang Asli
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.6):18-27
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health
services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs,
perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia.
Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four
FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging
themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health
is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will
result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste
could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and
distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy
oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had
a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.
- Full text:11.2023my1658.pdf
