Factors affecting patients' decision-making for dental prosthetic treatment

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Factors affecting patients' decision-making for dental prosthetic treatment should be examined in terms of understanding improving patients' oral health. PURPOSE: The main purpose of this dissertation was to investigate patients' dental prosthetic treatment and factors affecting patients' decision-making for dental prosthesis treatment in Deagu and Gyungbook areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was based on the preliminary survey of dental patients conducted from July 1 to August 31 in 2006. A total of 700 questionnaires had been distributed and 640 were collected. 629 questionnaires were used for the statistical analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequencies, cross tabulation analysis, correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis were introduced. In the multiple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis, twenty-two independent variables were employed to explore the factors which have impacts on decision-making and satisfaction. RESULTS: The results of this dissertation are as follows: Logistic regression analysis turned out that monthly income, age, degree of expectation, marital status, and employer-insured policy of national insurance statistically increased the odds of decision-making of dental prosthesis treatment. But educational attainment decreased the odds ratio of the decision-making of dental prosthesis treatment. However, the rest independent variables do not have statistically significant impacts on the decision-making of dental prosthesis treatment CONCLUSION: Among independent variables, marital status had the most significant influence on the decision making of dental prosthesis treatment. Finally, suggestions for the future study and policy implications to improve satisfaction of the patients' dental prosthetic treatment were discussed.