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Attitudes and beliefs of oral health professionals regarding their role in health promotion
Author(s) -
Proctor Emily,
Turner Cathy,
Pirozzo Sandi,
Wood Paul
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he03019
Subject(s) - health promotion , public health , medicine , nursing , health policy , population health , health education , health care , community health , family medicine , environmental health , political science , law
Issues addressed The study was designed to gain an understanding of health promotion from the perspective of oral health professionals employed in the public sector during a transition in the focus of services. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of oral health professionals employed by Queensland Health was conducted between March and April 2001. Staff were randomly sampled from employment records. A proportionate random sample, stratified across professional groups and geographical zones, was selected. Results While the majority of the health professionals surveyed perceived oral health promotion to be part of their role, they felt ill equipped to adopt it. Professional groups differed in their confidence and perception of how to promote health in their clinical setting, existing barriers they encountered and their participation in health promotion programs. Conclusions Strategies to improve the adoption of the oral health promotion role within Queensland public oral health services include: regular in‐service and education for all staff regarding health promotion issues; increased cohesion of the oral health team; intersectorial collaboration; supportive district management; and a refocus to primary health care and public health concepts.