Ethnic Disparities in Self-Reported Oral Health Status and Access to Care among Older Adults in NYC |
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Authors: | Donna Shelley Stefanie Russell Nina S Parikh Marianne Fahs |
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Institution: | (1) New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA;(2) Brookdale Center for Health Aging and Longevity of Hunter College, New York, NY, USA;(3) City University of New York School of Public Health at Hunter College and Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA |
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Abstract: | There is a growing burden of oral disease among older adults that is most significantly borne by minorities, the poor, and
immigrants. Yet, national attention to oral heath disparities has focused almost exclusively on children, resulting in large
gaps in our knowledge about the oral health risks of older adults and their access to care. The projected growth of the minority
and immigrant elderly population as a proportion of older adults heightens the urgency of exploring and addressing factors
associated with oral health-related disparities. In 2008, the New York City Health Indicators Project (HIP) conducted a survey
of a representative sample of 1,870 adults over the age of 60 who attended a random selection of 56 senior centers in New
York City. The survey included questions related to oral health status. This study used the HIP database to examine differences
in self-reported dental status, dental care utilization, and dental insurance, by race/ethnicity, among community-dwelling
older adults. Non-Hispanic White respondents reported better dental health, higher dental care utilization, and higher satisfaction
with dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Among minority older adults, Chinese immigrants were more likely
to report poor dental health, were less likely to report dental care utilization and dental insurance, and were less satisfied
with their dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Language fluency was significantly related to access to
dental care among Chinese immigrants. Among a diverse community-dwelling population of older adults in New York City, we found
significant differences by race/ethnicity in factors related to oral health. Greater attention is needed in enhancing the
cultural competency of providers, addressing gaps in oral health literacy, and reducing language barriers that impede access
to care. |
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Keywords: | Oral health Older adults Access to care |
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