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Dental Caries among Refugees in Europe: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Sneha Bhusari

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Chiamaka Ilechukwu

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Abdelrahman Elwishahy

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Olaf Horstick

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Volker Winkler

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Khatia Antia

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

Abstract

Oral health is one of the most neglected aspects of refugee health. The study aimed to systematically review evidence on prevalence of dental caries and dental care services provided to refugees in Europe. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane, WHOLIS, Web of Science, Medline Ovid, and Google Scholar identifying studies on dental caries among refugees in Europe after the 2015 refugee crisis. From 3160 records, fourteen studies were included in the analysis. Eight studies on oral health showed caries prevalence of between 50% and 100%, while it ranged from 3% to 65% in six general health studies. Caries prevalence was proportional to age and inversely associated with education, whereas gender and country of origin showed no significant association. Nowhere is oral health part of general health assessment on arrival and is complaint based. Primary focus on resettlement, language, cultural, and economic barriers emerged as explanatory models for limited access. Our study identified a high prevalence of caries and limited access to dental health services as main challenges. Integrating oral health check-ups may contribute in shifting towards preventive oral care. Further research is urgently needed to better understand the dental needs of refugees in Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Sneha Bhusari & Chiamaka Ilechukwu & Abdelrahman Elwishahy & Olaf Horstick & Volker Winkler & Khatia Antia, 2020. "Dental Caries among Refugees in Europe: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9510-:d:464518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Freiberg & Andreas Wienke & Lena Bauer & Andreas Niedermaier & Amand Führer, 2020. "Dental Care for Asylum-Seekers in Germany: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Anders Hjern & Stefan Kling, 2019. "Health Care Needs in School-Age Refugee Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-6, November.
    3. Geltman, P.L. & Adams, J.H. & Cochran, J. & Doros, G. & Rybin, D. & Henshaw, M. & Barnes, L.L. & Paasche-Orlow, M., 2013. "The impact of functional health literacy and acculturation on the oral health status of somali refugees living in Massachusetts," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(8), pages 1516-1523.
    4. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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