Results of an oral health promotion pilot intervention among Sikh South Asians in New York and New Jersey using a community health worker model

Literature has shown a prominent link between oral health and chronic disease, and high risk of oral cancer among South Asians. However, there are limited studies on South Asian subgroups and few community-based, culturally-tailored interventions addressing oral health promotion for South Asian Americans. The purpose of this presentation is to describe results of a pilot intervention to improve oral health knowledge and access to oral health care among Sikh Americans living in New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ). In 2013, 195 Sikh Americans participated in surveys and screenings, including examinations of teeth and gums, blood glucose, Body Mass Index, access and barriers to healthcare, oral health knowledge and behaviors. Findings from this study were used to develop and implement a culturally-tailored community health worker (CHW) intervention to promote oral health in the Sikh community in 6 sites across NY and NJ. Between March and September 2014, individuals will be recruited to participate in a series of oral health-related educational workshops led by trained CHWs. Participants will complete pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess knowledge and self-efficacy. Focus groups will be completed with CHWs and participants to assess facilitators and barriers to program implementation. Results include development of the curriculum and its components, engagement of the community advisory board and findings from the pre- and post-workshop surveys and focus groups. Descriptive survey findings showed a great need for oral health promotion in the NY and NJ Sikh communities. Findings from this pilot intervention will demonstrate whether a CHW intervention can promote change in this community.