V Garcha1, S H Shetiya, P Kakodkar. 1. Department of Public Health Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Manipur Ahemdabad, Gujarat, India. bravosquad@rediffmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of social and cultural factors as access barriers to oral health care amongst people from various social classes. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross sectional survey in Pimpri, was conducted using a pilot tested 15 item-structured, close-ended and self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty people aged 35-45 years (50 participants each in five social classes as per British Registrar's General classification of occupation) were selected. The chi-square test was applied to check statistical differences between social classes at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Overall, it was observed that irrespective of the social class difference 88% participants wished to seek only expert/professional advice for the dental treatment. Unavailability of services on Sunday (63%), going to dentist only when in pain (57%), trying self care or home remedy (54%), inadequate government policies (50%), budgetary constraints (40%) were among the major access barriers. Statistically significant difference in the access barriers among the social classes were found related to: Inadequate government policies, budgetary constraints, appointment schedules, far-off located clinics, myths and fear about dental treatment. CONCLUSION: Social and cultural factors act as access barriers to oral health care and social class differences have a significant influence on the access barriers.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of social and cultural factors as access barriers to oral health care amongst people from various social classes. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross sectional survey in Pimpri, was conducted using a pilot tested 15 item-structured, close-ended and self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty people aged 35-45 years (50 participants each in five social classes as per British Registrar's General classification of occupation) were selected. The chi-square test was applied to check statistical differences between social classes at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Overall, it was observed that irrespective of the social class difference 88% participants wished to seek only expert/professional advice for the dental treatment. Unavailability of services on Sunday (63%), going to dentist only when in pain (57%), trying self care or home remedy (54%), inadequate government policies (50%), budgetary constraints (40%) were among the major access barriers. Statistically significant difference in the access barriers among the social classes were found related to: Inadequate government policies, budgetary constraints, appointment schedules, far-off located clinics, myths and fear about dental treatment. CONCLUSION: Social and cultural factors act as access barriers to oral health care and social class differences have a significant influence on the access barriers.
Authors: Suresh Chand Yaddanapalli; S K Parveen Sultana; Asha Lodagala; Palli Chinna Babu; Srinivas Ravoori; Srinivas Pachava Journal: J Family Med Prim Care Date: 2020-07-30