Inequalities in regular oral health check-up behaviour among preschool children in Bang Pu subdistrict municipality, Samut Prakan
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to study the inequalities in regular oral health check-up behaviour (ROHCB) and factors affecting ROHCB among preschool children in Bang Pu subdistrict municipality. By collecting data from parents using questionnaires, the results showed that only 18.26 percent of preschool children had ROHCB, and 81.74 percent of the sample had never visited a dentist or visited a dentist only when having oral problems. There are inequalities and social gradients in ROHCB among preschoolers. The ROHCB of preschoolers was concentrated among parents with high education levels, high occupation levels, high family income, and high socio-economic status (SES). In addition, the logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors related to ROHCB of preschool children were the SES of the parents. The children that have parents in the upper-middle/upper class were more likely to have ROHCB than children whose parents were in upper-lower class (OR=2.13; 95% CI=1.05-4.31) and parents who ROHCB were more likely to have their children had ROHCB than parents did not have ROHCB (OR=4.11; 95% CI=2.66-6.60). In conclusion, ROHCB in preschool children was related to their parent's SES. To formulate an effective and target-oriented policy, policymakers need to utilise academic evidence and local population data to set goals and strategies for improving access to dental services, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, improving service delivery system capacity should respond to local's needs and way of life. These factors should be prioritised in planning dental health policy.
In conclusion, ROHCB in preschool children was related to their parent's SES. To formulate an effective and target-oriented policy, policymakers need to utilise academic evidence and local population data to set goals and strategies for improving access to dental services, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, improving service delivery system capacity should respond to local's needs and way of life. These factors should be prioritised in planning dental health policy.
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