Factors Influencing Utilization Of Dental Conservation Methods In Adults In Gatanga Division Thika District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Like most other diseases, oral diseases affect all people irrespective of nationality, race, colour and creed. Despite great achievements in the oral health of populations globally, problems still remain in many communities around the world. Dental conservation methods are those methods that can be utilized to maintain good oral health. They can be instituted at both individual and professional levels. Good oral health is an essential and important component of general health. Some of the conservation methods include amalgam fillings, tooth coloured fillings, crowns and inlays. While these conservation methods are available to Kenyans in the event of pain from dental caries, most of the teeth are reportedly extracted rather than filled. The Kenyan population has received relatively few fillings. Dental caries has been cited as the most common cause of tooth mortality. As the prevalence of dental caries increases due to the use of refined sugars which are cariogenic in nature, tooth mortality also increases. The main objective of this study was to determine factors that influence utilization of dental conservation methods. An analytic cross-sectional study was carried out in Gatanga Division of Thika District. Gatanga Division was selected purposively. Random sampling technique was used to get one location. Individual study participants were sampled using systematic random sampling method with a desired sample size of 384 individuals. Data were collected using structured interview schedules and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 11.5. Chi-square test was used to determine the strength and significance of the association between the variables. The study findings revealed the prevalence of dental extractions as 73.9% and that of utilization of professional dental conservation methods as 7.9%. The significant factors associated with utilization of dental conservation methods included; age (χ²=70.991, df=50, p=0.027), level of formal education (χ² = 13.635, df=4, p=0.009), earlier fillings (χ²=24.260, df=1, p=0.0001) and social cultural beliefs (χ²=83.539, df=68, p=0.047). The study shed light on some of the reasons behind continuous loss of teeth among Kenyans when dental conservation methods are available. With the dissemination of the study findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Health, the oral health policy may be improved to the benefit of the Kenyan society