Exploring Patient Perspectives Through Visual Research

Abstract

When discussing the major conflicts and public health concerns regarding oral health, one of the main subjects is dental caries in youth. Dental caries is the most common chronic disease among children ages 6-10 years old (CDC). Between the years 2015 and 2016, 45.8% of youth aged 2-19 years had caries (CDC). Of those individuals, the prevalence increased with age. Not only do these youth have caries, but a fraction of the caries are left untreated. 13.0% of youth aged 2-19 years had untreated caries in the primary or permanent teeth (CDC). When analyzing data associated with dental caries in youth and the federal poverty level, it is shown that dental caries increase in youth from families living below the federal poverty level. Preventive care is necessary in preventing dental caries and preventative care can start during the mother’s pregnancy. However, in some cases, this is not occurring and is negatively impacting the mother’s oral health as well as the infants. This research relies heavily on the voices of those being impacted (the pregnant women or mothers of infants) and those who treat the women (health care providers). Photovoice as well as interviews is the main form of gaining qualitative data. Photovoice is a visual research methodology that allows participants to document and present their concerns in vulnerable communities. Participants are able to find their voice through the use of photos. The finalized research will be able to thoroughly discuss the barriers between pregnant women and oral health. The main objective of this research is to understand how social determinants of health (Social and Community Context, Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Health Care Access and Quality and Neighborhood and Built Environment) impacts prenatal dental care. This data will help identify barriers and disparities in access to prenatal dental care, inform targeted interventions to improve oral health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their offspring, and guide policy recommendations to enhance equitable healthcare access.