Determinants of Dental Care Utilization for Children Under Six: A Study Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model

Fatemeh  Gorji; Abolghasem  Pourreza; Masud  Yunesian; Simin Zahra  Mohebi; Mahnaz  Ashourkhani

doi:10.18502/ijre.v21i2.19910

Fatemeh Gorji Master of Health Education and Health Promotion, Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Abolghasem Pourreza Professor of Public Health, Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Masud Yunesian Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Simin Zahra Mohebi Professor of Community Oral Health, Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahnaz Ashourkhani Associate Professor of Health Education and Promotion, Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijre.v21i2.19910

Keywords: Oral health, Primary teeth, Parents, Andersen’s behavioral model, Predisposing factors, Enabling factors

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Timely use of dental services in early childhood plays an essential role in maintaining the health of primary teeth and preventing complications related to jaw development, nutrition, speech, and mental well-being. Regular dental visits help prevent early childhood caries and its consequences. This study aimed to evaluate factors influencing the use of dental services for primary teeth from parents’ perspectives, based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 395 parents of children under six attending health centers in Semnan, Iran. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected online via the Hackey questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26 applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Results: A minority of parents were aware of the appropriate timing for the first dental visit. Forty-five percent sought care only when problems occurred, while 36% attended regular check-ups. Overall, 62% reported moderate to good financial status, and 82% had basic insurance coverage. Key determinants of dental attendance included maternal education, service accessibility, insurance coverage, health information sources, and the characteristics of the healthcare providers as an educator. Larger family size and negative experiences with healthcare staff were associated with reduced utilization.

Conclusion: Interventions at individual and structural levels are needed to promote regular pediatric dental visits. Enhancing parental awareness, involving influential health personnel, expanding dental insurance, and fostering positive provider–parent interactions are recommended.