Experiences and perceptions of infant dental enucleation among Somali immigrants in Sweden: a phenomenographic study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore and describe ways of experiencing and perceiving the Eastern African practice of infant dental enucleation (IDE) among immigrants of Somali origin living in Sweden. Material and methods: Six informants, three men and three women aged 26-54 years, were recruited for semi-structured individual interviews. Phenomenographic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed. Findings: Informants described four ways of experiencing and perceiving IDE: as an effective, necessary treatment; as a disputed tradition; as an alternative to failure; and as a desperate measure. The experiences and perceptions were highly influenced by the contexts the informants had been in, namely, communities in which traditional treatments were used frequently, in which other people were influential over their daily lives, and in which negative experiences of formal health care were common, as well as other difficult circumstances beyond the informants' individual control. Conclusions: The findings contribute to deepened understanding of IDE and the importance of context to the practice of it. Further, the findings deepen understanding of the decision to have the practice performed on infants, which may help dental and health care personnel to adequately communicate with individuals of Somali origin about the harmfulness of IDE.

Infant dental enucleation: A literature review on a traditional remedial practice in East Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and review the literature on infant dental enucleation, a traditional remedial procedure prevalent mainly in East Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature searches were made electronically using general and specialized search engines. The main search was performed through a systematic strategy in PubMed, comprising tabulated keywords, search codes, and translated and transliterated terms. Criteria for the selection of studies were designed to provide a general understanding of the procedure. The findings were synthesized into two sections: a summary of the population prevalence studies, and a thematic literature review. RESULTS: An overview of the known prevalence and clinical specifications was established. Insight was gained into the purpose of the procedure and the factors influencing its performance. Diverging suggestions were seen with regard to the rationale for use of infant dental enucleation between different populations. Moreover, reports of complications and consequences involving the general health and the dentoalveolar structures of patients were examined. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence, clinical features and risks of infant dental enucleation point to a need for greater awareness of the procedure. Further, there is a need for specific guidelines regarding management of suspected cases within dental and healthcare communities.

Infant dental enucleation in an East African population in Sweden: a cross-sectional study on dental records.

AIM: To examine the prevalence of infant dental enucleation (IDE) of primary canines, an East African traditional remedial procedure, in a multiethnic population of children in Sweden. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted of dental records of 1133 patients (mean age 4.6 years, SD ± 1.4) attending one public dental service clinic in Sweden. The clinic was located in an area with a large multiethnic community. All were born within the years 2002-2006 and had received a check-up in one of the years 2007-2009. A registry was made of missing primary canines where no reason could be found. In documented cases, information about ethnic origin was extracted. Statistical grouping was made according to known East African ethnicities. RESULTS: At least 36 ethnicities were recorded. Twenty-four (2.1%) patients were missing one or more canines according to the criteria for IDE. Significant difference was seen when comparison was made between patients of known East African ethnicities, of whom 20.8% (21/101) manifested findings consistent with the criteria, and the rest of the population (3/1032; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of cases suggestive of IDE among patients of East African origin points to a need for increased awareness within dental and healthcare communities.