Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Oral Health Seeking Behaviour

Abstract

Oral health is an integral component of general health, nutrition, communication, self-esteem and quality of life. Oral diseases are common, largely preventable and frequently untreated because symptoms are normalized until pain or functional limitation occurs. Socioeconomic status influences oral health seeking behaviour through income, education, occupation, residence, affordability, health literacy, transport, insurance coverage and perceived need. Individuals from lower socioeconomic groups may postpone dental visits, depend on self-medication or seek care only when pain becomes severe, whereas persons with better resources may be more likely to attend routine or preventive dental services. A community-based analytical cross-sectional design was used. The study population consisted of 300 adults selected from urban and peri-urban communities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic profile, socioeconomic status, oral health awareness, self-reported oral symptoms, dental service utilization, delay in seeking care, perceived barriers and type of facility used. The findings showed that lower socioeconomic status was associated with delayed dental consultation, problem-oriented visits, self-medication and no professional care. Cost of treatment, distance from dental facility, lack of awareness, dental anxiety and absence of insurance coverage were more frequent barriers among lower socioeconomic groups. Preventive or routine dental visits increased with higher education, higher income and better oral health awareness.