Abstract
PURPOSE:
The
people of Appalachia-West Virginia are culturally unique and are known
to have oral health disparities. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate dental fear in relation to delayed dental care as a factor
influencing oral health behaviors within this culture.
METHODS:
A
cross sectional study design was used. Participants were urgent care
patients in a university dental clinic. The sample included 140 adults
over age 18 years. The Dental Fear Survey was used to determine dental
fear level. Self-report of delayed dental care was provided by the
participants. The Dental Fear Survey was dichotomized at score 33, with
higher scores indicating dental fear.
RESULTS:
The
prevalence of dental fear was 47.1% (n=66). There was a significant
association of dental fear and dental delay. The unadjusted odds ratio
was 2.87 (95% CI: 1.17, 7.04; p=0.021). The adjusted odds ratio was 3.83
(95%CI: 1.14, 12.82; p=0.030), controlling for tobacco use, perceived
oral health status, pain, and last dental visit. A difference in dental
delay between men and women was not present in this sample. The only
significant variable in delayed dental care was dental fear.
CONCLUSION:
In
Appalachia-West Virginia, there remains a high level of dental fear,
despite advances in dental care, techniques, and procedures.
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