Characteristics of dental care-seeking behavior and related sociodemographic factors in a middle-aged and elderly population in northeast China

Abstract

BackgroundThe etiologies of oral disease are generally progressive and cumulative, such that compared with younger individuals, middle-aged and elderly people are at greater risk of active dental caries and periodontal disease risk. They usually suffer from multiple oral diseases, and obstacles to their use of dental care services are numerous.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate the characteristics of dental care-seeking behaviors and related sociodemographic factors in a middle-aged and elderly population in northeast China.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 1188 subjects, including 792 middle-aged (35–44 years-old) and 396 elderly (65–74 years-old) residents of northeast China. Information on dental care-seeking behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics was collected during face-to-face structured interviews conducted between May and June 2010. Chi square tests, Ridit scoring, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to characterize dental care-seeking behaviors and their associations with sociodemographic factors.ResultsA greater proportion of middle-aged participants reported a need for dental visits compared with the elderly participants (75.8 % vs. 60.9 %; P < 0.01), as did more urban that rural residents (P < 0.05). The majority of individuals in both the middle-aged and elderly groups obtained for dental care at their own expense, and they predominantly chose private dental clinics. Ridit analyses showed that education level and income were significantly associated with oral care in both middle-aged and elderly people (Ps < 0.05). In addition, logistic regression analysis indicated that rural residence was negatively associated with dental visits in both middle-aged (odds ratio = 0.649, 95 % confidence interval: 0.447–0.884) and elderly (odds ratio = 0.604, 95 % confidence interval: 0.394–0.924) individuals.ConclusionThe rate of dental care visits is low in the middle-aged and elderly populations of northeast China. Among sociodemographic factors, education level and income are positively associated with dental care visits, and rural residence is negatively associated with the frequency of such visits.

Factors associated with dental pain related to last dental visit among adult patients

“…This prevalent figure is lower than that reported by Liu et al, who found that 84.1% of adults visited a dental office due to a toothache. 16 On the contrary, the results of the study by Lacerda et al showed that 18.7% of patients attended a dental clinic to seek oral care to relieve pain. 13 The authors pointed out that study participants had high access to dental services as they belonged to the working class, which could be the reason for such low prevalence.…”

“…Patterns of dental visits are often associated with high education and income levels. 16,20 However, these factors may not have an influence on pain as the reason for dental visits. While our study provided valuable data, there are certain weaknesses that should be considered in interpreting study results.…”

“…15 Compared with 3.5% of Chinese adults who attended the dentist for routine dental care, 84.1% visited a dental office due to a toothache. 16 Fewer subjects (3%) who sought care for a routine dental checkup reported poor oral health than 15% of those who visited the dentist when in trouble. 17 Patients expressed poor satisfaction when they visited the dentist for pain relief.…”

“…20,21 Likewise, male gender, younger age (<30 years) and high educational level were associated with preventive dental visits. 16,22 While the factors related to different reasons of seeking dental care have been investigated, the available literature lacks a clear picture of the factors that influence oral care seeking behaviors of patients when in pain. Since most dental visits are made to relieve pain, understanding these underlying factors can help policy makers and other stakeholders develop appropriate oral health policies and programs.…”

Dental Caries and Related Factors in Vietnamese Dental Patients

“…17,18 Several studies indicated that regular dental visit behavior was significantly associated with socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, educational level and household income. 19,20 In Vietnam, little is known about the relationship between hindered factors to access oral healthcare and routine attendees; and we, therefore, need further research which then indicates measures to promote regular dental visit behavior among Vietnamese population.…”