Barrier to Access and Dental Care Utilization Behavior with Related Independent Variables in the Elderly Population of Saudi Arabia

The study aimed to evaluate barriers associated with access and utilization of dental services among the elderly population of Saudi Arabia.

A systematic random sample of 350 elderly people recruited from various gathering places of the elderly including all nursing home residents (n = 73) was included in this study. The data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews related to access and utilization of dental services, and sociodemographic, behavioral, medical, and financial barriers to dental services. Statistical analysis included frequency distributions, chi-squared tests, and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program.

Approximately 37% of the elderly had proper access to and utilization of dental services. Independent variables that affect access and utilization of dental services were low income (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, confidence interval [CI] = 1.34-3.72), unmarried participants (OR = 3.25, CI = 1.75-6.05), community residents (OR = 5.15, CI = 2.52-10.53), smokers (OR = 1.93, CI = 1.02-3.68), irregular users of toothbrushing (OR = 3.53, CI = 2.09-5.95), no dental insurance (OR = 1.88, CI = 1.06-3.37), and unaffordable price (OR = 2.55, CI = 1.38-4.69) in the bivariate analysis. In logistic regression analysis, the significant variables that were associated with proper access and utilization of dental services were having dental insurance (OR = 2.24, CI = 1.15-3.82), affordable prices (OR = 2.19, CI = 1.21-3.70), brushing regularly (OR = 3.58, CI = 2.01-6.37), higher education (OR = 1.87, CI = 1.10-3.20), and being married (OR = 1.68. CI = 0.97-2.91).

Lack of perceived need, no dental insurance, unaffordable price, transportation, and fear from dental treatment were the most common significant barriers to dental services.