Factors Influencing the Use of Public Dental Services
Author Information
Author(s): Luzzi Liana, Spencer A John
Primary Institution: Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine associations between dental attitudes and beliefs of public dental service users and their dental visiting intention and behavior using the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Conclusion
Public dental patients held favorable attitudes and beliefs but perceived a lack of control towards dental visiting, suggesting that reducing structural barriers may improve access to public dental services.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants had positive attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy beliefs towards dental visiting.
- Attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and perceived control were significant predictors of intention.
- Intentions, self-efficacy, and past dental attendance were significant predictors of actual dental attendance.
Takeaway
People who go to public dental services think positively about visiting the dentist but feel they can't control it, so making it easier to go could help more people get dental care.
Methodology
517 randomly selected adult public dental patients completed a questionnaire assessing dental attitudes and beliefs, which was matched with electronic records for past and future dental service use.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of participants who may have stronger positive attitudes towards dental care.
Limitations
The sample may not be fully representative of the total population due to age differences between responders and non-responders.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":54.9,"percentage_female":60.0,"percentage_born_in_Australia":57.6,"percentage_speaking_English_at_home":90.2,"percentage_non_Indigenous":99.2,"percentage_with_private_dental_insurance":10.4}
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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