Abstract
BackgroundAs primary health care (PHC) centers in Saudi Arabia provide standardized preventive and curative oral health care (OHC) services, challenges remain. In addition, evidence of determinants of OHC seeking behavior is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify common challenges faced by patients seeking OHC in PHC centers and assess determinants of demand for OHC in Riyadh.MethodsAfter institutional approval and piloting, 320 adult patients were sampled at two large PHC centers in October 2015. Using a modified version of General Practice Assessment (GAPQ) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Questionnaires, information about cumulative number of visits to a dentist, patient profiles, provider characteristics, and challenges were collected. We used descriptive statistics to summarize data and employed ordinal regression for analyzing extent of effects of challenges and determinants of demand for OHC.ResultsOral health condition was reported to be good in 31 % of the patients, very good in 25 % of the patients, and fair in 20 % of the patients. More than half (53 %) of patients visited a dentist in the past 12 months once, 20 % twice, and 25 % at least three times. High cost of private clinic and unavailability of dentists were reported as the most common difficulties in seeing a dentist. Patients who were very satisfied with dental care and treatment plan, those with less than excellent oral health conditions and male patients had less number of cumulative visits to a dentist compared with patients with less satisfaction, patients with perceived excellent oral health, and female patients respectively.ConclusionsOur findings provide a strong evidence of challenges faced by patients and determinants of demand for OHC seeking behavior. The findings can inform policy maker not only in patient satisfaction of OHC, but also implications on facilities and health care systems. We conclude with recommendations for future research, especially on oral health preventive measures in PHC centers that correct inherent dental problems and other underlying challenges.
Highlights
As primary health care (PHC) centers in Saudi Arabia provide standardized preventive and curative oral health care (OHC) services, challenges remain
Our study examined the challenges faced by patients and determinants of demand for OHC services in PHC centers
Our study revealed that patients who reported being very and somewhat satisfied with dental care and treatment plan have a fewer number of visits to a dentist (p = 0.006 and p = 0.000) relative to unsatisfied patients
Summary
As primary health care (PHC) centers in Saudi Arabia provide standardized preventive and curative oral health care (OHC) services, challenges remain. WHO Department of Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NPH) developed a technical program based on the prevention of new diseases and strategy for health promotion. One of these programs is WHO Global Oral Health Program that collaborates with other programs of NPH and external partners to develop global policies promoting oral health and prevention of oral diseases [2]. There is evidence that a proper oral care and early detection of oral diseases reduce mortality rates and save patients’ lives [2], and save costs [4]
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