Dental Treatment Needs in Older Tanzanian Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Åstrøm Anne N, Kida Irene A
Primary Institution: Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the prevalence of perceived need for dental care among older Tanzanian adults and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics and oral health outcomes.
Conclusion
About half of the participants confirmed need for problem-oriented care, dental check-ups, and any type of dental care, influenced by perceived oral health and clinical problems.
Supporting Evidence
- 51.7% of urban and 62.5% of rural participants reported needing dental check-ups.
- 42.9% of urban and 52.7% of rural participants reported needing problem-oriented care.
- 38.4% of urban and 49.6% of rural participants reported needing any type of dental care.
Takeaway
Many older people in Tanzania feel they need dental care, but not everyone goes to the dentist, even if they have problems.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with interviews and clinical examinations of older adults in urban and rural Tanzania.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported need perceptions and limited access to dental care services.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the socio-behavioral factors influencing dental care perceptions due to reliance on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 50 years and older, with a mean age of 62.9 years, including both urban and rural residents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 46.2, 57.0 for urban; 95% CI 53.1, 70.9 for rural
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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