Identifying the barriers and facilitators for homeless people to achieve good oral health

Abstract

Objective: A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators for people experiencing homelessness achieving good oral health.

Participants: Adults using two homeless centres in Leeds.

Methods: Focus group discussions were convened with homeless people using support services. Both an inductive and deductive approach to data analysis was taken. Themes were identified and then a framework applied to analysis using Nvivo software.

Results: Three focus group discussions with 16 participants were conducted with people experiencing homelessness. The barriers identified were insufficient information on local dental services, negative attitudes of oral health professionals, low priority of dental care, anxiety and cost of dental treatments. Facilitators included single dental appointments, accessible dental locations and being treated with respect.

Conclusions: Despite the barriers that prevent people experiencing homelessness from maintaining and improving their oral health, the participants were aware that they needed oral healthcare and requested that dental services were made available to them and were accessible in line with their socioeconomic status and needs.

Keywords: Homeless Persons; Oral Health; Qualitative Research.