September 2010

Objective - To investigate and compare the influence of social and cultural factors as access barriers to oral health care amongst people from various social classes. Basic research design and participants - A cross sectional survey in Pimpri, was conducted using a pilot tested 15 item- structured, close-ended and self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty people aged 35-45 years (50 participants each in five social classes as per British Registrar’s General classification of occupation) were selected. The chi-square test was applied to check statistical differences between social classes at 5% level of significance. Results Overall, it was observed that irrespective of the social class difference 88% participants wished to seek only expert/professional advice for the dental treatment. Unavailability of services on Sunday (63%), going to dentist only when in pain (57%), trying self care or home remedy (54%), inadequate government policies (50%), budgetary constraints (40%) were among the major access barriers. Statistically significant difference in the access barriers among the social classes were found related to: Inadequate government policies, budgetary constraints, appointment schedules, far-off located clinics, myths and fear about dental treatment. Conclusion – Social and cultural factors act as access barriers to oral health care and social class differences have a significant influence on the access barriers. Key words: Access barriers, India, oral health care, social and cultural factors, social class.