Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Practices in South Asian Populations

Background: Oral Health is a strong predictor of and has strong implications on overall health and quality of life. The 2018 Surgeon General’s Report of Oral Health declared a need for more data collection and surveillance on the oral health status of minority groups in America. Surveillance studies examining the scope of inequalities can ultimately drive policy to mitigate disparities. Surveillance data can also help shed light on South Asians in Americans, their oral health perspectives and practices. Methods: A 19-question survey was administered to convenience samples of South Asians in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Study subjects were recruited at Hindu or Sikh Temples and at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. Results: Data collection yielded 178 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: There are disparities in oral hygiene habits as well as oral health beliefs and practices suggesting the South Asian community of the tri-state area could benefit from targeted public health outreach