Factors associated with the use of dental services in older adults in Peru

Bryan Alexis Cossio-Alva, Rubén Espinoza Rojas, Miguel Angel Ruiz-Barrueto, Giancarlo Becerra Atoche, Christian R Mejia and Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Background: The use of dental services by older adults in Peru faces various challenges that impact both their oral and overall health. Several factors play a crucial role in obtaining adequate dental care. Aims: To evaluate the factors associated with the use of dental services in older adults in Peru. Methods: This study was an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional investigation that utilized data from multiple years (2018–2022) of the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES, by its Spanish acronym). The use of dental services was assessed through a specific survey question and analyzed in association with various socio-demographic variables, employing both descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: In the multivariable analysis, the likelihood of not utilizing dental services was higher among men aPR: 1.53 (95% CI: 1.45–1.61), those without health insurance aPR: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.36–1.53), those who self-identified as other races aPR: 1.22 (95% CI: 1.13–1.33), Afro-descendants aPR: 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01–1.19), whites aPR: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01–1.25) according to education level, those with a physical limitation aPR: 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15–1.33), and increased as they were poorer; it was lower among the rich but more pronounced among the middle-income, poor, and very poor, adjusted for five variables. Conclusion: It was reported that 15% of older adults did not use dental services, and this was associated with significant socio-demographic variables.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0316651

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316651

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