Factors Influencing Oral Health Care Seeking Behavior

Evidence has indicated that factors influencing oral health seeking behaviours are associated with social, cultural, psychological and economic experiences of communities and individuals.

The study aimed to gain an understanding of the factors that influence oral health care seeking behaviour among people attending an oral health facility in Randfontein.

The objectives: were to describe the factors influencing oral health care seeking behaviour and explore barriers and enablers of individuals seeking oral health services.

Method:

 This was a qualitative study with six focus groups conducted using an interview schedule. The in-depth inquiry was considered more capable of revealing perceptions than quantitative surveys. The study population consisted of adults above seventeen years who had lived in Randfontein for at least six months and who had utilised the oral health services. Ethical clearance was granted by the University of the Western Cape Research Committee.

Result:

The following themes were identified; Preference for free dental services; Perception of the knowledge and skills of dental staff; Belief in the effectiveness of allopathic dentistry; Presence of identifiable symptoms or pain and lack of awareness of dental services. Barriers and enablers to oral health seeking behaviours were reported by respondents to be health systems related which included impatient staff, poor treatment outcomes and insufficient resources. Enablers included friendly staff, affordable services and ineffectiveness of alternative treatment strategies.

Conclusion:

The study found that in as much as allopathic dentistry was preferable amongst respondents; the health systems barriers experienced discouraged them in seeking oral health care.