Determinants influencing the oral health of adults in Seychelles

Abstract

Oral diseases are a major public health problem in the Seychelles, amidst a contracting budget coupled by a lack of national oral health policy and strategic plan to promote oral health. The oral disease burden is attributed to numerous determinants operating at different levels –macro, population and community, and at the person level. The study set out to examine the determinants that contribute to poor oral health in the Seychelles through an exploration of the social, cultural, economic and environmental factors influencing the oral health of adults. The purpose of the study was to develop an evidence-based theoretical framework that would inform future policy and practice for oral health. Set in the mixed research paradigm, a qualitative and quantitative research approach was used to obtain a deeper understanding of the pathways and mechanisms operationalizing determinants. Using a purposive sampling approach, individual and group interviews were conducted with patients, dental staff and a representative of the upper management.