Oral health status, oral health behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands

This dissertation explored the oral health status, oral health behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands compared to the host population. We found that Indian migrants generally exhibited poorer oral health status and lower utilization of oral healthcare services. However, higher levels of integration were associated with better oral health outcomes, increased utilization of oral healthcare services, and greater satisfaction with OHPs. Significant differences were identified in oral healthcare utilization between Indian migrants and the host population, with factors such as internal locus of control, trust in OHPs, and level of integration being significant predictors for Indian migrants. Among the host population, factors such as having dental insurance played a more prominent role in oral healthcare utilization and satisfaction. We also observed that migration influenced oral health outcomes among Indian migrants. Post-migration shifts occurred in enabling resources for Indian migrants, including changes in oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and utilization patterns of oral healthcare services. Integration played a crucial role in influencing oral health outcomes among Indian migrants, not only through interaction with the host population but also by becoming aware of available information, infrastructure, and clinical ambiance. These findings emphasize the need for incorporating different research designs, especially the inclusion of healthcare models, such as Andersen’s behavioural model, which can allow researchers to explore the unique factors associated with the oral health outcomes among the migrant groups. Only then, incorporating targeted interventions for addressing better use of oral healthcare can benefit all.