Influence of Individual Factors on The Utilization of Dental Services Among Patients Attending Public Health Facilities in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Approximately 3.5 billion people of all ages and races globally are affected by dental diseases. Overall human health, well-being and quality of life can fundamentally be measure by an individual dental health. Despite the wide distribution of dental diseases, few individuals seek dental care services mostly for treatment. To tackle this problem, the populace requires to utilize health facilities to receive basic preventive services.

Objective: This study was carried out to examine the influence of individual factors on the utilization of dental services among patients attending public health facilities in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 384 randomly selected respondents using structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and spreadsheet software.

Results: Findings indicated sociodemographic factors have no significant impact on the utilization of dental services in public facilities, P-values greater than 0.05 across all variables. Individual preferences, awareness, time availability, perceptions, psychological factors, and health needs are critical determinants in seeking dental services with p-value of 0.001. Individual perceptions significantly guide decision-making in dental care p = 0.001. Individuals’ awareness of dental services offered in county health facilities significantly influence dental service utilization, p=0.001. Statistically significant relationship p=0.045 was observed that general health conditions influence dental care-seeking behaviors. Necessity-driven utilization was significant p=0.001 but barriers like high costs and patients’ busy schedules hamper individuals from seeking timely dental services.

Conclusion: Individual preferences, awareness, time availability, perceptions, psychological factors, and health needs are critical determinants in seeking of dental services.

Recommendations: Focus should be placed on the key determinants of utilization of dental services – proximity to health facilities, awareness, affordability, and patient satisfaction to enhance utilization. Further Nairobi City County government should prioritize integration of primary dental care into primary health care.

Keywords:

Dental services, Utilization, Patients, Individual, Public health facilities

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