Prevalence and correlates of dental service utilization among adults in solomon islands

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess dental service utilization (DSU) among adults in a Pacific Island country. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional nationally representative survey in Solomon Islands, 2,533 individuals (18-69 years) responded to questions on DSU, sociodemographic and health information in 2015. Results: More than half of the participants (55.3%) never had DSU, 36.4% had more than 12 months DSU, and 8.3% had past 12 months DSU. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, older age, ever screened for blood pressure, using toothpaste, and having had pain in teeth, gum, or mouth in the past year were associated with both >12 months and past 12 months DSU. Higher education, ever screened for cholesterol, being divorced, separated, or widowed, poor self-rated oral health (SROH), and experienced difficulty in chewing foods in the past 12 months were associated with >12 months or past 12 months DSU. High physical activity was negatively associated with >12 months DSU. Conclusion: Less than one in ten participants had past 12 months DSU and several factors were found, which can be targeted in interventions.