| Abstract: | Societal and cultural factors influence the use of professional services by older black Americans. The objective of this study was to examine societal determinants that influence culturally learned behavior manifested by a selected group of older black Americans. A variation on the Health Belief Model was used as the primary tool of data collection with 122 black Americans age 55 to 97. The belief index was divided into four major categories: caries; perceived susceptibility to dental caries; perceived severity of dental caries; and perceived benefits of preventive action. Although evidence supported the relationship between economics and the utilization of dental services for this population, evidence also suggested that dental help-seeking behavior appears to be independent of income. The study suggests that a case can be made linking the health beliefs of this population with their dental practice. It is certain that the multifaceted nature of the sociocultural environment does have an impact on the dental health of this older black American population. |
