Dental Services Accessibility for Foreign Workers in Border Area of Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This study was a survey research. The objective of this study was to study the access to dental services of foreign workers in the border area of ​​Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province. This study was conducted in a sample of 390 Foreign workers in Sangkhlaburi district by cluster sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.74. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results of the study found that most migrant workers in the border area of Sangkhlaburi district were female, aged 20-29 years, lower secondary education, single status, work as factory workers, live in their own home, monthly income 10,001 – 20,000 baht and have the right to social security. Overall foreign workers' access to dental services was at a low level (Mean = 1.59 SD = 0.10). When classified by aspects, it was found that the moderate level was the affordability (Mean = 2.03 SD = 0.35). and the acceptability (Mean = 2.10 SD = 0.28). The aspect that was low was the aspect of access to the accessibility (Mean = 1.56 SD = 0.24), the availability (Mean = 1.36 SD = 0.23), the accommodation (Mean = 1.37 SD = 0.24) and communication (Mean = 1.10 SD = 0.14). Therefore, health service units at all levels should focus on language and communication with foreigners. especially in areas where many foreign workers reside.