A mixed methods study of the intersection of oral health, culture, and autism in African American families

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Project Summary/Abstract This project will address the important yet often neglected component of overall health, oral health. Unfortunately, oral health care disparities persist for children from ethnic minorities, as well as for children with special health care needs, like autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Several known factors (i.e., familial, social, and structural) serve as barriers to oral health for Black/African American children. Although public policies have attempted to address these obstacles, disparities persist. Similarly, many children with disabilities, such as ASD, encounter significant barriers to the receipt of sound oral care. Impairments in communication, sensory sensitivities, uncooperative behaviors, restrictive eating habits, and dental fear and anxiety contribute to diminished oral care. As a result, many children with ASD require the use of sedation or general anesthesia for routine dental procedures. Currently, no studies have examined the intersection of ASD, Black/African American culture, and oral health practices. The proposed project will address this gap by achieving the following set of aims: 1. Identify the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Black/African American parents/caregivers of children with and without ASD. 2. Develop a deeper understanding of the barriers, facilitators, familial and cultural factors that inform oral health practices of Black/African American families with children with ASD. 3. Identify gaps in oral health care for Black/African American children with and without Autism and propose recommendations for improvements across levels of influence to enhance oral health. Research participants will be 120 (survey) and 8 – 12 (interview) Black/African American parents/caregivers of children aged 4-14 years, with and without ASD. The oral health disparities that exist for Black/African American children with and without disabilities deserve a greater spotlight because of the importance of oral care to overall health, engagement, and function. In order to accomplish these research project aims, I will engage in several selected trainings activities, which will provide me with the skills, tools, and expertise to conduct translational and transformative research. The following are short-term goals for my fellowship training: 1) Develop a deeper understanding of the multiple underpinnings of health disparities; 2) Gain experience and skills in qualitative research and community-based participatory action research; and 3) Develop skills in teaching, grant-writing, designing research studies, data analysis, and disseminating results for transformative change.