Parental oral health literacy and oral health service utilisation amongst Myanmar migrant children in Thailand: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore parental oral health literacy and oral health service utilisation amongst Myanmar migrant children in Thailand.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 23 Myanmar migrant parents residing in the central region of Thailand, each with at least one child aged 5-6 years. Data were collected through in-person, in-depth interviews conducted in the Myanmar language. Data analysis was performed via manual line-by-line inductive coding and content analysis.

Results: Three major categories were identified: (i) oral health knowledge and home practices: parents recognised the immediate consequences of oral disease; however, misconceptions about the importance of primary teeth and a variable understanding of the roles of diet and fluoride remained widespread; (ii) oral health-related information-seeking and utilisation: social media served as the primary source of information, with parents actively seeking information in response to particular concerns. Their ability to assess the reliability of online information varied considerably; and (iii) oral health service utilisation: many parents sought oral health care in a reactive manner rather than a preventive one. Financial constraints, work schedules, language barriers, immigration issues, and negative past experiences constituted significant barriers. Despite these barriers, parents expressed a strong willingness to seek care when their child's need was evident.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into how migrant parents understand and manage their children's oral health, highlighting limited knowledge of primary teeth, reliance on social media for oral health information, and structural barriers to oral health service utilisation.