Factors Influencing the Utilization of Oral Primary Preventive Services Among the Patients Attending A Dental Hospital in Dharwad City, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the factors influencing utilization of oral primary preventive services among the patients attending a private dental hospital in Dharwad city, India. Material and Methods Present study was conducted among 200 adult patients attending out-patient department of a private dental hospital in Dharwad city, India. Convenience sampling method and questionnaire design was employed for assessment of utilization of oral primary preventive services for common oral diseases with information on socio-demographic factors. Results The proportion of subjects who utilized primary preventive services for dental caries was 24.6%, malocclusion 57.5%, gum diseases 65% and oral cancer 70% respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender and educational level were significant factors affecting the utilization of oral preventive services, with females using preventive services significantly more than men and those having higher education compared to those having low education. Conclusion Utilization of oral primary preventive services is low among the study subjects. Female gender and education were found to be positive factors influencing utilization of oral primary preventive services. Other factors like age, income, family size and marital status had no influence on utilization of primary preventive services.