ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs, perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.
ABSTRACT
O presente estudo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa qualitativa, cujo objetivo foi conhecer o processo de implantação da saúde bucal no município de Feira de Santana, situado no semiárido baiano, analisando os saberes e práticas que orientam o processo de trabalho na micropolítica das Equipes de Saúde Bucal (ESB) que atuam no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF). O material empírico foi obtido por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada como gestor de saúde do município e os cirurgiões-dentistas que atuam nas ESB no PSF. A metodologia utilizada na análise foi a de conteúdo temática. O estudo mostrou existir dificuldade de acesso ao serviço de Saúde Bucal, uma desproporcionalidade entre as Equipes de Saúde Bucal em relação às Equipes de Saúde da Família e ao porte demográfico do município, com uma grande demanda reprimida não permitindo a equidade e a integralidade da assistência. As autoras sugerem a ampliação das ESB para que possa haver uma efetivação deste trabalho, tornando-o mais resolutivo e possibilitando uma melhor qualidade de vida para a população.
This study presents the results of a qualitative research,whose goal was to know the process of implantation of buccal health in the municipality of Feira de Santana, located in the semi-arid region of Bahia, analyzing the knowledge and practices that guide the work process in the micropolitics of the Buccal Health Teams (BHT) that operate within the Family Health Program (FHP). The empirical material was obtained through a semi structured interview with health managers of the municipality and surgeon-dentists that work in the FHP-BHT. The methodology that was used in the analysis was the one of thematic contents.The study showed difficulty to access the buccal health services, an imbalance between the availability of BHT and family health teams and the demographic size of the municipality, with a large repressed demand not allow ingequity and completeness of assistance. The authors suggestan enlargement of the BHT so as to render this work more effective, while also offering a better quality of life to the population.