Apr 17, 2024
From Taro Roots to Dental Roots
- 1Student
- Mistie T: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9531-9352
Protocol Citation: Mistie T 2024. From Taro Roots to Dental Roots. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.261ge5okog47/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: April 17, 2024
Last Modified: April 17, 2024
Protocol Integer ID: 98306
Abstract
This project aims to examine the impact of dietary shifts and cultural changes on dental health disparities. Through a literature review and field surveys, it will explore historical and contemporary dietary patterns, cultural practices, and their effects on dental health.
Guidelines
1. Ethical Considerations:
- Obtain informed consent from participants before conducting surveys, interviews, or dental examinations.
- Ensure confidentiality of participant information and data.
- Respect cultural norms and practices when interacting with communities.
2. Research Team:
- Train research team members, including local dentists and surveyors, on research protocols and ethical guidelines.
- Assign roles and responsibilities clearly within the team.
3. Data Collection:
- Use standardized survey questionnaires and interview guides to ensure consistency in data collection.
4. Community Engagement:
- Engage with community leaders and members to gain their trust and support for the research project.
- Communicate clearly about the purpose and goals of the research to the community.
- Involve community members in the research process where possible.
5. Sustainability:
- Consider the long-term impact of the research and how it can contribute to sustainable improvements in dental health in the Pacific Island region.
- Identify opportunities for further research or interventions based on the findings of the study.
6. Collaboration:
- Collaborate with local healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that the research is relevant and impactful.
- Share knowledge and best practices with other researchers and organizations working in the field of dental health disparities.
Materials
- Survey Questionnaires
- Dental Examination Tools
- Interview Guides
- Data Collection Forms
- Brochures, posters, and pamphlets on maintaining healthy Oral Health
- Computers/ Laptops
- Consent Forms
- Permission Letters
- Digital Cameras
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- First Aid Kit
- Storage Containers
Safety warnings
Health and Safety: Take necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of the research team and participants, especially when conducting dental examinations.
Before start
Make sure all proper permits are obtained.
Literature Review
Literature Review
Identify relevant literature on historical dietary patterns, cultural practices, oral health knowledge, and the impact of colonialism on the South Pacific Islands' populations.
Compile and review the literature to gain insights into the historical context and factors influencing dental health disparities in the region.
Data Collection
Data Collection
Pre-Colonial Era:
Gather historical data through archaeological findings, anthropological studies, and documented accounts.
Use this data to reconstruct dietary habits and oral health practices of pre-colonial Pacific Island communities.
Contemporary Era:
Conduct field surveys and interviews within selected populations.
Assess current dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices, and the prevalence of dental diseases.
Utilize dental examinations, surveys, and interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
Field Study
Field Study
Obtain necessary permissions from local authorities, schools, and parents to conduct the survey.
Prepare survey questionnaires with questions related to oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and dental health knowledge.
Assemble a team of local dentists and trained surveyors to conduct the field survey. Ensure that the survey team is familiar with the survey questionnaire and protocols.
Examining each individual's teeth.
Select a representative sample of grade schools from different regions or communities within the Pacific Island region.
Divide the students into groups based on grade level or age for ease of survey administration.
Distribute the survey questionnaires to the students and provide instructions for completing them.
Include questions such as:
- How many times a day do you brush your teeth?
- What is your typical diet like? How often do you consume sugary foods and drinks?
- Have you ever had a toothache or dental problems? Have you visited a dentist before?
- Do you have access to dental care in your community? If yes, how often do you get checked?
Data Analysis
Data Analysis
Quantitative Data:
Analyze dental examination results and survey responses using statistical techniques.
Identify patterns and associations between dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and dental health outcomes.
Qualitative Data:
Analyze interview transcripts thematically to extract key insights and narratives.
Explore the cultural and social factors influencing dental health in the region.
Follow-Up Research
Follow-Up Research
Conduct follow-up research to assess the effectiveness of proposed solutions and interventions.
Continue to monitor dental health trends in the region and advocate for policies that promote improved dental health outcomes.