Oral health through the life experiences of older Greek and Italian adults

Abstract

Little is known about the oral health of immigrant groups in Australia, particularly older immigrants, or about their individual life experience with oral health care services. This study was concerned with understanding the social meaning of the oral health experience of older adults from Greek and Italian backgrounds living in Melbourne, Australia. A qualitative approach was selected to allow participants to describe their lived experiences and perceptions regarding oral health. Seventeen focus group interviews were conducted between June and July 2000, with 172 participants recruited from Italian and Greek senior clubs in Melbourne. All of the participants were born overseas. Transcripts ..