Analysis of factors affecting the utilization of oral and dental health services: a population-based study in urban and rural households in Ahvaz

Introduction: An increase in the use of oral and dental health services and routine examinations can lead to better health and improve health equity indicators. This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the utilization of oral and dental health services in the households of Ahvaz in 2022. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study in which 715 households including 2680 people living in the city of Ahvaz were studied by using the stratified-cluster sampling method. The collection of the required data was performed through a questionnaire, and the logistic model and Stata software were used to analyze the data and estimate the elasticity of the influencing factors. Results: According to the results of this study, the utilization rate of oral and dental health services is 80.55%, and the odd ratio of the utilization of these services is 0.26% less for women compared to men, which is a statistically significant result. People with tertiary education also have a 1.83 times higher chance compared to other people to receive the services, which is statistically significant. People with income but without work have a 0.29 lower chance of receiving these services compared with unemployed people, although this result is not significant. Furthermore, people who have private insurance have 5.84 times more chances to receive these services, and this result is completely significant. Also, the individuals who exercise less than 3 times a week have the chance of receiving these services by 1.25 times compared to people who do not exercise at all, which is a significant result. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be mentioned that employment and household income status, increased insurance coverage, higher education level, and a healthy lifestyle, including engaging in physical exercise, increase the chance of benefiting from dental services.