Assessment of Oral Health Status, SelfPerceived Dental Needs and Barriers to utilization of Oral Health Services among slum dwellers of AmbalaA descriptive study.

Dr Sami Ahmed; Dr G.M Sogi; Dr Jasneet Sudan

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2017

Assessment of Oral Health Status, SelfPerceived Dental Needs and Barriers to utilization of Oral Health Services among slum dwellers of AmbalaA descriptive study.

Dr Sami Ahmed, Dr G. M Sogi, Dr Jasneet Sudan

Abstract :

Objective: To assess oral health status along with perceived dental health needs and barriers to utilization of health services among slum dwellers in Ambala district.

Materials and Method: A total of 780 slum dwellers were included in this house to house cross sectional study. Demographic details & other data were obtained by direct interview and all the subjects were evaluated for dentition status, periodontal status & Loss of attachment (LOA). The data so collected was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results : The difference between CPI–modified &LOA scores among various age categories was statistically significant.87.8%(683) reported the need of one or the other treatment,59.3%(463) had never visited dental practitioner lack of awareness (30.4%) being the most common reason.

Conclusion: The findings suggested a high burden of dental health needs and lack of utilization of health services. Given their numerous health problems and limited utilization of health services compared to their counterparts undermines the principle of equity in healthcare.