An explanatory model of older persons' use of dental services. Implications for health policy.
With increasing numbers of people keeping their teeth into their later years, regular dental care should be a health behavior practiced by all older persons. National surveys show, however, that older people use dental services at a much lower rate than other age groups. Even when low-cost dental services are provided, a significant number of eligible elderly do not seek dental care. A survey was conducted among 116 elderly utilizers of low-cost dental services and 142 comparable elderly who had not sought care in 3 or more years. Andersen and Newman's (1973) model was expanded in include attitudes as predisposing factors. The revised model explained 32% of variance in dental utilization; perceived need and two components of attitudes were among the eight significant variables. A follow-up of nonutilizers 6 months later revealed that 27.4% had subsequently sought dental care. The best predictors of the decision to seek care were attitudinal variables, accounting for 21% of the variance. Implications for planning dental services for low-income elderly, developing health education programs, and policies are discussed.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle 20195.
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Kiyak
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014861:Washington