Factors associated with preferences for ambience and human resources among adult patients during dental office care: A logistic regression study

Abstract

Aim: Focussing on adult patients, this study evaluated the factors associated with preferences for ambience and human resources when receiving care at dental offices in Peru. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, and analytical analysis of data previously obtained through an anonymous survey among Peruvian patients (n = 618) who visited an American Dental Center in Lima, Peru between 2018 and 2020. The statistical analyses were conducted using the frequencies and percentages of each preference, whereas a χ2 test and logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with patient preferences (significance determined at P < 0.05). Results: Preferences were expressed at a rate of 80.9%, with the highest frequencies found for appointment time (91.7%), the delegation of certain functions to assistant personnel (89%), and environmental privacy (89%). Further, the logistic regression model showed that only age influenced the day of the week on which respondents preferred to receive care (odds ratio = 0.97, confidence interval: 0.95–0.98, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Respondents reported strong preferences for several elements related to ambience and human resources while receiving care at dental offices, including the professional ratings/genders of service providers and available amenities.