A Comparative Analysis of Cultural Beliefs and Their Effect on Oral Care in Morocco, South Africa and South Korea. Government Measure Implementation to Influence and Form Healthy Oral Care Habits and Behavioral Patterns

The aim of this paper is to determine the role of cultural beliefs and the effect they have on human health, particularly oral care. The paper focuses on healthcare cultures of 3 countries: Morocco, the Republic of Korea and the South African Republic. A comparative analysis of their oral care cultures and behavioral patterns has not been researched prior to this, so the paper provides a fresh view on the problems oral care faces in these countries.

The idea discussed in the paper was largely influenced by a healthcare program launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea in 2011. The program promoted oral hygiene by creating tooth brushing rooms nationwide to encourage tooth brushing. According to various reports, the program has had immense success. This could be linked to the South Korean culture itself, as their most popular foods increase the people’s desire to have fresh breath, therefore, the installation of tooth brushing facilities proved popular with the citizens, as the demand was met.

The analysis of the Moroccan and South African oral care problems showed that they differed from those of South Korea. The reason being cultural differences which formed the cultural beliefs around such topics as oral care and human health in general. The national oral care program in South Korea showed the success of government-imposed measures. This paper discusses the cultural background aspects important for discussing oral care and cultural beliefs tied to it in such countries as Morocco and South Africa.

Culture plays an important role in the mindset of people forming various beliefs influenced by culture which sometimes poses problems for the human healthcare in some countries. A solution may be sought through government projects to influence a nation through its culture and emphasize the importance of human healthcare.