Oral health beliefs and oral hygiene behaviours among parents of urban Alaska Native children.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have a prevalence rate of early childhood caries 5 times that of the overall US population. Oral hygiene and oral health beliefs have not been described among AI/AN parents. This study explored constructs of the health belief model informing oral health beliefs and oral hygiene behaviours of parents of AI/AN children ages  0-6 years. The study aimed to determine the toothbrushing behaviour in parents of AI/AN childrenand the relationship between parent oral health beliefs and toothbrushing frequency. A cross-sectional survey which included the Oral Hygiene Scale, Oral Health Belief Questionnaire and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale was administered to a convenience sample of parents of AI/AN children 71 months or younger attending outpatient paediatric primary care appointments (N=100). Analyses were conducted to determine parent toothbrushing and the relationship between parent health beliefs and child toothbrushing. The odds of regular child toothbrushing were 49.10 times higher when the parent brushed their own teeth regularly (confidence interval (CI)=11.46-188.14; p<0.001). Parental toothbrushing had a strong positive association with the belief that oral health is as important as physical health. This research endorses parent-focused toothbrushing interventions to reduce AI/AN early childhood caries rates.

The role of health insurance coverage in cancer screening utilization.

INTRODUCTION: Although previous studies have shown a correlation between health insurance coverage and cancer screening, underinsurance and cancer screening among racial/ethnic minorities has not been examined. METHODS: Data from the 2000 and 2003 National Health Interview Surveys are used in this analysis. Cross-tabulations, age, and racial/ethnic group stratified regression analyses are used to examine associations between health insurance status and receipt of mammography, Pap testing, prostate specific antigen tests, fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colorectal endoscopy. RESULTS: In overall models, uninsurance was associated with lower receipt of all tests except FOBT among participants ages 65-85 years. Underinsurance was associated with lower receipt of mammography among women under 65 years only. CONCLUSION: These findings show age variation in the association between cancer screening and health insurance coverage. In addition, health insurance appears to act similarly across racial/ethnic groups. Further examination of underinsurance in cancer screening utilization and other health behaviors is needed.

An examination of community members', researchers' and health professionals' perceptions of barriers to minority participation in medical research: an application of concept mapping.

OBJECTIVE: Some of the most promising medical treatments are currently being developed and used in clinical trials. In the US, rates of chronic disease among racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately high. Unfortunately, the rates of minority participation in medical research are low, and the reasons are unclear. This study seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge that is currently available relating to the specific barriers to racial/ethnic minority participation in medical research through the conceptualization and measurement of these barriers. DESIGN: Study participants included a convenience sample obtained from the National Cancer Institute's Special Populations Networks, and consisted of practitioners, researchers and community members who specialize in research related to the treatment and prevention of cancer. A structured form of concept mapping (Trochim 1989) was the methodology used in this study. The concept mapping process has three specific phases: (1) project planning - development of project focus statements and sample selection (2) idea generation and structuring and (3) analysis and interpretation. This method is analogous to a more formalized and structured focus group approach, and involved the gathering of 149 ideas and the sorting of 70 statements. Comparisons across participant demographics were conducted and are presented in the form of pattern matches. RESULTS: The findings of this study suggest that there are two specific areas where barriers to minority participation may be addressed. The first area is the research system, specifically, the manner in which research studies are designed and implemented, including referral, recruitment and retention of racial/ethnic minorities. The data suggest that recruitment and retention will be aided by addressing patient concerns regarding the research process, and assuaging fears about clinical trials. The second area pertains to minority perceptions of the research process based on history and personal experiences. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a difference in the barriers to participation as defined by community members themselves, and health professionals' perceptions of these barriers. Increased inclusion of minorities in the design, management, and implementation of medical research studies would help mitigate negative perceptions of the research process, and serve to increase participation among racial/ethnic minorities.