Prevalence of Dental Anxiety and Fear, Barriers to Utilisation of Oral Healthcare Services and Their Relation With Oral Health Care Seeking Behaviour Among Adults Attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Abstract
Introduction: Malaysian adults have been exposed to school dental treatments since childhood; yet poor dental utilisation has been observed. This study aims to determine the prevalence of DAF (dental anxiety and fear), other barriers to utilisation of oral healthcare services as well as comparing their OHCSB score (oral health care seeking behaviour) with those who did not have such barriers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 209 adults who were otherwise healthy, accompanying those attending the family medicine outpatient clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from April to May 2023 using a self-administered validated Malay questionnaire to obtain their sociodemographic profiles, prevalence of DAF, other barriers to utilisation and OHCSB score. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Most of the respondents were Malay (96.2%), female (53.1%), at the mean(SD) age of 37.3(10.83) years old and categorised under the B40 group (54.5%). The prevalence of DAF was 30.6% (95% CI:24.3%,36.9%). Common barriers reported were perception of not having a dental problem (52.2%), and busy work schedules (53.1%). The mean(SD) OHCSB score was 9.62(1.670) out of 12. The mean(SD) OHCSB score was significantly lower in those with DAF 9.03(1.502);p=0.001; and in those who perceived having a dental problem 9.32(1.762);p=0.017. However, it was significantly higher among those without self-transportation 10.73(1.223);p=0.007. Conclusion: The prevalence of DAF was high. The OHCSB score was significantly lower with the presence of DAF and in those perceived of having a dental problem and higher among those with no self-transportation.
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