Oral health management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions: a descriptive phenomenological study
10.12016/j.issn.2096-1456.202660169
- Author:
LIU Zhu
1
;
WEI Shuyuan
2
;
NI Jia
2
;
GUO Yi
1
;
HU Minling
3
;
DING Yong
3
;
LIU Nan
3
Author Information
1. Department of Periodontology, Haizhu Square Campus, Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University
2. Special Medical Center, Department of Periodontology, Panfu Campus, Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University
3. Department of Endocrinology, Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
chronic periodontitis;
oral health;
health literacy;
healthcare resource accessibility;
qualitative research;
phenomenological study;
self-care;
health behavior
- From:
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases
2026;34(10):993-1000
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To deeply explore the systemic management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions, providing practical pathways for achieving oral health equity.
Methods:This study has been reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Based on a comprehensive design integrating literature review and theory, an interview guide was developed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis who were from underdeveloped regions and attended the Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University between November 2025 and February 2026. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data analysis employed Colaizzi’s seven-step method.
Results:Through interview with 20 participants, three core themes were extracted, encompassing eight sub-themes: individual cognitive-behavioral dilemmas (cognitive limitations and passive coping, inefficient and superficial self-management, and economic and psychological barriers to seeking care); systemic and environmental structural obstacles (distrust in primary healthcare capabilities, and the limited buffering effect and constraints of medical insurance); and the need for health empowerment and support systems (authoritative knowledge and management skill guidance, aspirations for access to high-quality specialized medical resources, and sustained and reminder-based remote support).
Conclusion:Patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions face a multidimensional dilemma composed of limited health literacy, poor adherence to health behaviors, weak primary care service capacity, uneven medical insurance coverage, and insufficient high-quality specialized medical resources. Patients’ health literacy should be advanced through innovative health education, primary care capacity should be strengthened for periodontal disease prevention and treatment, and it is recommended to prioritize the inclusion of initial periodontal therapy in outpatient coordination or chronic disease management, and a remote medical support system based on digital technology should be established.
- Full text:2026093010402890191欠发达地区慢性牙周炎患者口腔健康管理困境：一项描述性现象学研究.pdf
