[Dental care utilization of immigrants in Chengdu, China].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study considered Chengdu, Sichuan, China as an example to investigate the dental service utilization by foreigners and its influencing factors. Results of the study can be referred by dental practitioners to explore international development of dental services and can be provided for health policy makers to formulate oral health policies for immigrants. METHODS: A simple random sampling method with a questionnaire was designed based on Anderson's health utilization model and "Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults" by the World Health Organization. Oral health condition, consciousness, and demographic data were collected. Binary Logistic regression and stratified analysis with SPSS 20.0 were performed. RESULTS: A total of 654 immigrants repre-senting 75 countries participated in the study. Among all participants, 102 (15.6%) experienced dental problems while in residence in China but paid no visit to dentists. Female immigrants, who spent considerable time living in Chengdu, experienced oral problems in a year, used dental floss, and reported family members in Chengdu, were more likely to visit Chinese dentists. Participants who lived in Chengdu for at least 10.5 months were the threshold distinguishing differences in dental visits in the country. CONCLUSIONS: The policymakers in Chengdu should consider creating a convenient and conducive dental care environment for immigrants. Additional information related to urgent oral and routine care should be provided to short- and long-term living immigrants in China. Dental practitioners in China should also contemplate on collaborating with foreign dental insurance companies to ensure better dental care access for immigrant patients.