Summary
This cross-sectional survey of 147 Indian migrants in the Netherlands examined associations between integration level and oral health outcomes. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and dental insurance, higher integration was associated with better self-reported oral health, greater use of electric toothbrushes, lower consumption of Indian sweets, and increased attendance at Dutch dental professionals. The findings suggest that acculturation and integration may influence oral health behaviours and healthcare-seeking patterns among migrant populations.
Regional applicability
The findings may have limited direct applicability to the UK context, as patterns of integration, dental service accessibility, and oral health behaviours differ between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. However, the study's methodology and findings regarding the relationship between migrant integration and healthcare utilisation could inform UK public health approaches to oral health equity among South Asian migrant communities.
Key measures
Integration assessment (IPL-12), everyday discrimination scale (EDS), self-reported oral health status (fair/poor vs. good/excellent), toothbrush type (manual vs. electric), frequency of Indian sweet consumption, dental professional visits, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals
Outcomes reported
The study measured self-reported oral health status, oral health behaviours (toothbrush type, consumption of Indian sweets), and oral healthcare utilisation patterns among Indian migrants. Integration was assessed using the Immigration Policy Lab (IPL-12) tool and everyday discrimination scale.
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