Qualitative study on oral health perception and dental care use experience of homeless persons using homeless welfare facilities

Lee, Seung-Hyun; Jung, Se-Hwan; Ryu, Jae-In

doi:2023.61.11.713

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 61(11); 2023 > Article

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2023;61(11):713-722.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2023.61.11.003 Published online October 31, 2023.

시설 이용 노숙인의 구강건강 인식 및 치과의료 이용 경험에 관한 질적 연구

이승현¹

, 정세환¹

, 류재인²

^¹강릉원주대학교 치과대학 예방치학교실
^²경희대학교 치과대학 예방·사회치과학교실

Qualitative study on oral health perception and dental care use experience of homeless persons using homeless welfare facilities

Seung-Hyun Lee¹

, Se-Hwan Jung¹

, Jae-In Ryu²

¹Department of Preventive & Public Health Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University
²Department of Preventive and Social Dentistry, Kyung Hee University

Correspondence: Se-Hwan Jung, Tel: +82-33-640-2751,
Email: feeljsh@gwnu.ac.kr

Received: 6 October 2023 • Revised: 7 October 2023 • Accepted: 13 October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral health perception and dental care use experience of homeless persons in Korea.
Materials and Methods
Nine homeless persons were recruited from homeless welfare facilities in Seoul. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire by an interviewer. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory methodology and involved constant comparison, coding and memo-writing.
Results
Homeless persons recognized the dental care needs due to serious dental problems. Due to cost issues, they prioritized using self-care, and used dental care with the help of family or homeless facilities. Satisfaction was expressed through perceptions and attitudes regarding the process of using dental care.
Conclusion
There is a need to carry out more qualitative study and representative quantitative research for understanding homeless person's access to dental care.

Key Words: dental care; homeless persons; oral health