Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses

Abstract

Background It is crucial to take into account the concerns of dental patients about their prosthodontic needs when planning the course of treatment. However, there is a dearth of research that examines these needs among adult dental patients. Objectives This study aims to translate and validate the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale (PPTN) in Arabic. Methods The 17-item PPTN scale was translated from English into Arabic and completed by 206 patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in a dental hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was carried out in September and October 2023. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to ascertain the underlying factor structure; a unidimensional scale was hypothesised and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including several multiple model fit indices. The assessment of reliability was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha. The convergent and discriminant validity of the final scale were examined. Results EFA produced an 11-item scale distributed into three factors that explain 65.43% of the total variance with eigenvalues > 1. All items showed acceptable reliability, ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. The first factor pertained to social issues, while the second item was concerning dental appearance. Lastly, the third factor included functional difficulties associated with tooth loss or dental problems. The results of the CFA demonstrate a satisfactory level of model fit, with the standardised factor loadings ranging from 0.51 to 0.89. Convergent and discriminant validity of the model factors were established. Conclusion The translated questionnaire was deemed legitimate and would be useful in comprehending patients’ perceived treatment requirements, hence contributing to the advancement of prosthodontic research and practical implementation.

Measuring the impact of dental service quality on revisit intention using an extended SERVQUAL model

“…This result was in line with a previous study conducted in Malysia that found that implementing pricing strategies may effectively influence patients' behavioral intentions in a positive manner (14). A significant proportion of the population in several countries is unable to afford dental healthcare as a result of the escalating expenses associated with dental materials and operations, compelling dentists to increase their rates (37,38). Due to the exorbitant expenses associated with dental treatment, patients might seek treatment from public hospitals (39).…”