The mouth-body split: conceptual models of oral health and their relationship to general health among ethnic minorities in South Thames Health Region

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe conceptual models of oral health shared by people from different minority ethnic groups, in particular the relationship between 'oral health' and 'general health'. To identify how these conceptions vary across social factors.

Basic research design: In-depth interviews. Analysis of the interview data to identify the conceptual models used by participants in discussing oral health and its relationship to general health.

Participants: Ninety-five individuals from different ethnic groups.

Results: Two models of 'health' were identified. The first reflected a traditional model which related health to the absence of disease. The second encompassed a broad definition of health including not only physical but social and psychological well-being and the ability to carry out everyday functions. The model within which an individual operated was influenced by ethnicity and gender. Additionally, two models of the relationship between oral health and general health were identified: one in which the two concepts were seen as separate but related; the other in which oral health and general health were viewed as inseparable aspects of a single dimension.

Conclusions: People from minority ethnic groups vary in their understanding of oral health and its relationship to general health. This variation can be explained in part by ethnic and cultural factors. This finding has important implications both for the design of measures which seek to assess oral health related quality of life, and for the development of health promotional materials.