Intersectoral oral health promotion interventions for schoolchildren living in remote rural Andean communities: a realist evaluation

Abstract

Background: Intersectoral oral health promotion entails the participation of local communities. IOHP interventions were introduced in Peru in primary schools in 2013 but oral health among schoolchildren living in rural Andean communities remains suboptimal. Objectives: To understand the contextual elements and the underlying mechanisms associated with intersectoral oral health promotion interventions’ current effects on schoolchildren living in remote rural Andean communities. Method: A realist evaluation was carried out in three rural Andean communities where intersectoral oral health promotion interventions aimed at schoolchildren have been implemented. Following an evaluation of the effects among schoolchildren, contextual elements and mechanisms were explored with various stakeholders involved in intersectoral oral health promotion through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, an iterative data analysis and a validation process resulted in the identification of context-mechanism configurations. Results: Previous positive experiences of collaboration, a focus on communication, feelings of being respected and considered, and development of leadership and trust among stakeholders involved in intersectoral oral health promotion were elements of configurations that positively influence intersectoral oral health promotion. On the other hand, unfavorable physical, social and political environments, previous negative health experiences, feelings of not being respected or considered, demotivation, development of mistrust and insufficient leadership were shown to negatively influence outcomes. Conclusion: This research highlights the complexity associated with the deployment of intersectoral oral health promotion interventions in rural communities. Local stakeholders should be further involved to build trust, to facilitate coordination processes among remote rural communities and oral health professionals, and to optimize deployment of intersectoral oral health promotion interventions.