Perceptions of oral health by those living with mental illnesses in the Victorian Community - The consumer's perspective

Abstract

Objective: To understand the way people living with mental illness in an Australian community experience and define oral health. Study population: People living with serious mental illness in the Victorian Community. Methods: Qualitative methodologies were used in this study. Two focus groups and four semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: Participants generally valued oral health and recognized that attending regular dental appointments played a key role in improving their oral health. Participants felt that their mental illness overwhelmed their ability to maintain good oral health. Coping, dental fear, stigma, financial bar..