| dc.description.abstract | Introduction
The study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of dental services among men of age (18- 45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district. The specific objectives of the study were; i) to determine the prevalence of dental service uptake among men (18-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, ii) to identify the socio-economic factors that influence the uptake of dental services among men (18-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, iii) to identify the health-care service factors that influence the uptake of dental services among men (18-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district.
Methodology
A cross sectional study design was carried out in Entebbe Municipality on physically and mentally sound men aged 18 to 45 years, both who had attended for dental services and those had not. Using both self-administered and research administered questionnaires, a total of 336 respondents were then sampled using purposive sampling.
For uni-variate analysis, data was run using frequencies and percentages, and the results presented in form of frequency tables, pi-charts and bar graphs. At bi-variate level, Chi-square tests were used to show the levels of association between the dependent and independent variables through cross tabulations and results presented in tables.
Results
Of the 394 respondents, 66% had presented to the dentist for a dental examination before and only 34% had not. The socio-economic factors; education, 67% of those who had attained education ranging from primary to secondary had knowledge about dental services. occupation status, 21% of the respondents were employed but with different salary scales and said they prefer private dental service facilities to public facilities. The healthcare service factors; 58% considered distance to the nearest place where one could receive dental services or information if needed was also associated to the uptake of dental services among men (18-45years).
Conclusion and Recommendation
The proportion of men in the age range 18-45 who had undertaken any form of preventive dental services in Entebbe Municipality was low at 18%. socio-economic; occupation status, income per month and healthcare services are the major factors influencing dental service uptake in Entebbe Municipality.
The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Health should put more emphasis on availing dental services all public health facilities or hospitals by increasing on the budget meant for dental health. In addition, intensify advertisements on dental services and oral health hygiene through media houses such newspapers, radios, televisions and billboards to bring about increased awareness, sensitization to increase uptake of dental services. | en_US |
