Medical Principles and Practice

Original Paper

Free Access

Barriers to Seeking Preventive Dental Care by Kuwaiti Adults

Al-Shammari K.F.a · Al-Ansari J.M.b · Al-Khabbaz A.K.a · Honkala S.a

Author affiliations

aSurgical Sciences Department, Faculty of Dentistry, and bOral Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Kuwait

Corresponding Author

Khalaf F. Al-Shammari, DDS, MS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry

Kuwait University, PO Box 24923

13110 Safat (Kuwait)

Tel. +965 967 6688, Fax +965 532 6049, E-Mail kalshammari@hsc.edu.kw

Keywords: Utilization of dental servicesAttendance behaviorPreventive visitsPublic dental services

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Med Princ Pract 2007;16:413–419
https://doi.org/10.1159/000107733

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of preventive dental visits and to identify self-reported barriers for this practice among Kuwaiti adults. Materials and Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of Kuwaiti nationals 18 years of age or older recruited from all six health districts of Kuwait. A total of 2,400 questionnaires were distributed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with not having a preventive dental visit for more than 1 year. Results: Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.2%) were completed. Of these, 620 (32.2%) had a dental visit within the previous 6 months, 504 (26.2%) between 6 and 12 months and 801 (41.6%) more than 12 months ago. The most common reasons for the last dental visits were pain or a dental emergency, need for restorative treatment, and an examination/prophylaxis. The strongest factors for not having preventive visits were not using a mouthrinse daily, flossing less than once a day, dental fear, belief that there is no need for visits unless pain was present, brushing the teeth less than twice a day, and believing that appointments are too far ahead. Also older respondents (>30 years), female gender, and those having only high school education or less were less likely to visit a dentist for preventive reasons. Conclusion: More than half of the studied population reported not having had a preventive visit for more than 1 year. Unfavorable self-care habits, dental fear and belief that visiting a dentist is necessary only for pain relief were the strongest factors for the nonattendance behavior.

© 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: September 19, 2006
Accepted: February 27, 2007
Published online: October 09, 2007
Issue release date: October 2007

Number of Print Pages: 7
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 4

ISSN: 1011-7571 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0151 (Online)

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2007, Vol.16, No. 6

October 2007

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