Maternal characteristics and treatment neds as predictors of dental health services utilisation among Mexican school children

Abstract

"Aim To determine whether maternal characteristics and treatment needs are associated with dental health services utilization (DHSU) in school children. Material and methods A cross-sectional study in 1373 school children aged 6-12 years in elementary schools in Campeche, Mexico collected family and sociodemographic characteristics; an oral examination was conducted. The dependent variable was DHSU in the year preceding the study. Results DHSU prevalence was 65.5%. The variables associated (p<0.05) with DHSU in the final multivariate model were age (OR=1.27), maternal schooling (OR=1.07), mother's attitude toward oral health (OR=1.39), frequency of tooth brushing (OR=1.83), enamel defects (OR=1.55), and unmet oral health needs (moderate: OR=1.42 and high: OR=2.30). Conclusion Specific sociodemographic and maternalvariables were associated with DHSU. Strategies areneeded to increase appropriate and timely use of services to improve health status."