Factors associated with dental service utilization among older adults under the single ID card policy: a case study of Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province
Keywords:
dental service utilization, Elderly, Single ID card policy, Universal health coverageAbstract
This quantitative cross-sectional analytical study investigated factors associated with dental service utilization among older adults in Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province, an area where oral health performance goals remained unmet. A sample of 304 participants was selected using multi-stage sampling. The research instrument demonstrated reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.719 to 0.932. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Binary Logistic Regression, with the model showing a good fit with empirical data (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p = 0.757).
The results revealed that 79.3% of older adults had not utilized dental services within the past six months, despite having a moderate level of policy awareness. Significant predictors (p < 0.05) were: 1) Education level: those with secondary education or higher were 2.078 times more likely to utilize services than those with primary education or lower (95%CI = 1.084–3.986, p = 0.028); 2) Previous experience: those with prior dental service experience were 14.401 times more likely to use services (95%CI = 1.887–109.906, p = 0.010); and 3) Marital status: married individuals were less likely to utilize services compared to those who were single (OR = 0.328, 95%CI = 0.152–0.706, p = 0.004).
These findings highlighted an implementation gap in the current policy. It is recommended that public health agencies should implement proactive services in collaboration with Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) and local authorities, through community screening and NCD home-visit teams. Furthermore, improving appointment systems to reduce waiting times, and expanding benefits to cover individual tooth treatments were essential to meet older adults’ actual oral health needs.
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