Patterns of use of oral health care services in Australian rural adults: the Crossroads‐II Dental sub‐study

Abstract

Background: As part of a larger study, the Crossroads-II Dental sub-study determined the patterns of, and barriers to, oral health care service utilization in a rural area of Victoria. Methods: In this cross-sectional sub-study predisposing, enabling, needs-related, and oral health variables were considered in association with patterns of oral health care utilization. A logistic regression was performed to explain the use of oral health care services. Results: Overall, 574 adults participated, with 50.9% reporting having visited an oral health care service in the previous 12 months. Age, number of chronic health conditions and holding a health card; were associated with increased visit to a dentist (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03; OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.16; OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.26-3.36, respectively). Perceived barriers to care and number of missing teeth decreased the odds of using services (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36-0.58; OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98, respectively). Conclusions: Results suggest that use of oral health care services is associated with a range of financial, educational, health and structural barriers. Increasing the use of oral health care services in rural populations requires additional efforts beyond the reduction of financial barriers.

Management of chronic pain in a rural Australian setting: Findings from the Crossroads-II mixed-methods study

“…The study included the regional centre of Shepparton/ Mooroopna (Modified Monash Model [MMM] 12 designation of 3 [large rural town]) and the surrounding smaller towns of Benalla, Seymour and Cobram (each designated MMM4 [medium rural towns]). The Crossroads-II study assessed health, disease and access to care, and results pertaining to diabetes, 13 atrial fibrillation, 14 dental health 15 and other issues have been published previously. Crossroads-II used similar methodology to the original Crossroads-I study conducted in 2001-03.…”