Abstract :
Background: Ensuring affordable orthodontic treatment is essential for promoting equitable access to dental care, emphasizing the significance of justice in addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering equal opportunities for individuals seeking orthodontic interventions. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of patients regarding the cost of orthodontic treatment and the factors influencing their views on affordability.
Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 116 participants undergoing orthodontic treatment to gather data on demographic information, personal experiences with orthodontic treatment, and attitudes toward the perceived cost of such treatment. The questionnaire was developed with input from orthodontic professionals and validated through pilot testing. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were calculated for all quantitative and categorical variables. Bivariate inferential analyses using chi-square tests were conducted to assess associations between categorical variables. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value cut-off of 0.05. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The study showed that 96% of the participants were satisfied with the treatment. 94.0% felt that the treatment cost was justified by the duration of the treatment and the type of appliance. However, 49.1% of participants still felt the need for cost reduction. Patients with higher monthly income felt less need for cost reduction (p value < 0 xss=removed>
Conclusion: This questionnaire-based study sheds light on the diverse perceptions surrounding the cost of orthodontic treatment. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop strategies that enhance accessibility and affordability while addressing the broader implications of orthodontic care on individuals' well-being.
Keyword :
Cost, Perception, Orthodontic treatment, Socioeconomic