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Shining a Spotlight on Stigma: Exploring Its Impact on Oral Health-Seeking Behaviours Through the Lenses of Patients and Caregivers.
Zain Ul Abideen, Malik; Ali Bushara, Nashwa Alzaki; Nadeem Baig, Muhammad; Dilshad Siddiqui, Yasir; Ejaz, Iqra; Tareen, Jawad; Siddiqui, Ammar Ahmed.
Afiliación
  • Zain Ul Abideen M; Department of Dental Education and Research, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, PAK.
  • Ali Bushara NA; Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, SAU.
  • Nadeem Baig M; Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, SAU.
  • Dilshad Siddiqui Y; Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, SAU.
  • Ejaz I; Department of Oral Biology, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, PAK.
  • Tareen J; Department of Medical Education, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, PAK.
  • Siddiqui AA; Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, SAU.
Cureus ; 16(6): e63025, 2024 Jun.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39050292
ABSTRACT
Introduction The unique nature of a lack of good oral health, coupled with the lack of discussion and recognition surrounding the associated stigma, highlights it as a distinct issue. This stigma causes discomfort, devalues individuals, and necessitates urgent care and intervention. In Pakistan, a variety of reasons, including cultural beliefs, socioeconomic gaps, and poor access to dental care services, tend to exacerbate the stigma that is associated with dental care. This study aimed to determine the impact of stigma on oral health-seeking behaviours amongst the population of South Punjab in Pakistan. Methodology The study employed a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach, and the data collection was preceded by the administration of semi-structured interview guides and discussion guides to the patients and the consultant group, respectively. The targeted population was composed of patients who had reported stigmatization and a focus group of 10 dental consultants from various specialisations in dentistry. Data was collected until saturation from 16 patients who were recruited through the purposive convenience sampling technique. Results The study identified three themes, including perceived stigma impact on health-seeking behaviours and coping mechanisms; 10 subthemes emerged. Results showed social attitudes and unhealthy perceptions of oral conditions that lead to shame, loss of self-esteem, and lack of confidence among affected individuals. Behavioural reactions like mockery and discrimination further made it difficult for the participants who sought dental care and treatment. The study highlighted that stigma resulted in the avoidance of dental care, deterioration of oral health, and a tendency towards self-medication. People also used coping strategies such as hiding dental issues by avoiding social gatherings and seeking help from close friends to manage oral health stigma. Dental consultants had the strong opinion that care quality could be enhanced by utilising compassionate communication and patient education campaigns. Conclusions The experiences of patients and consultants related to dental stigma highlighted the complex interplay of sociocultural norms and healthcare practices. The study demonstrated that perceived stigma impacted the health-seeking behaviours of patients. Social support and education about oral health helped patients overcome this stigma. The study revealed that patients avoided dental treatments due to stigmatised behaviour from health professionals, a lack of affordability, and a feeling of shame to show and discuss the condition of their teeth, which got even worse due to self-remedy. The experiences of patients and consultants highlighted the need for increased advocacy, educational campaigns, and policies that can reduce inequalities in oral health and improve health equity. The study recommends specific intervention strategies and policy formulation to address oral health inequalities and contribute to advancing oral health equity in Pakistan.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Cureus Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: Estados Unidos

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Cureus Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: Estados Unidos