In a bustling Riyadh hospital, a unique cross-sectional study embarked on understanding the financial preferences of parents when it comes to dental treatments for their children. This research highlighted an intriguing aspect of parental decision-making by capturing their willingness to invest in different dental treatments at a private university hospital. Drawing insights from 354 participating parents, the team delved into their choices between preventive fissure sealants and curative class I composite fillings. This study explored not only the monetary aspects but also the intricate weave of socioeconomic factors, previous dental experiences, and familial preferences, painting a detailed picture of the decision-making landscapes of these families.
Socioeconomic Influences and Dental Decisions
Researchers employed structured, face-to-face interviews to gauge the parental willingness to pay (WTP) for these services. The findings revealed a mean WTP of 92.94 Saudi Arabian Riyals for fissure sealants, contrasted by a higher WTP of 144.35 for composite fillings. Various tests, including the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis, confirmed these differences as statistically significant (P
Factors Driving Financial Commitment
The regression analysis underscored multiple decisive factors. Sex, family size, and previous dental encounters notably influenced the WTP for fissure sealants. In contrast, composite fillings’ WTP was impacted by home environment, maternal employment status, socioeconomic standing, and health insurance coverage. These insights spotlight the nuanced decisions parents make when choosing between dental interventions for their children.
Key inferences from this research include:
- Higher parental WTP for curative over preventive treatments.
- Treatment preference shaped significantly by socioeconomic details.
- Prior dental experiences of children substantially affected financial decisions.
- Health insurance status played a pivotal role in the willingness to fund specific treatments.
Understanding parental choices in dental care extends beyond mere treatment costs. The research provides crucial insights for hospital administrators and healthcare policymakers aiming to design better-targeted dental programs. Recognizing the socioeconomic and experiential factors influencing financial decisions can enhance service offerings. Adjustments in dental care accessibility and tailoring communication to meet diverse parental expectations can ultimately improve outcomes. This study stands as a testament that deeper comprehension of financial preferences and underlying motivators can lead to comprehensive care strategies, aligning hospital services more closely with the community’s needs and expectations.
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