Using Aday-Andersen Behavioral Model to Predict Oral Health Services Utilization

Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of Aday-Andersen Behavioral Model dimensions (Predisposing, Enabling, and Need variables) in predicting utilization of oral health services during the past year. Methods. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using data on 2,885 adults from the 2001 – 2002 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Predictor variables included Predisposing variables (gender and ethnicity), Enabling variables (household income, dental insurance, and years of education), and Oral Health Need (self-rated pain). Results. Overall, 68 % of sample adults had utilized oral health services in the past year. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (P < .05) with approximately 14 % of the variance in dental service use in the past year explained by the Aday-Andersen Behavioral Model dimensions. Significantly greater likelihood of dental service use was found with regard to Enabling variables [(higher education (OR = 0.458), presence of dental insurance (OR= 0.720), and and higher incomes (OR = 1.000)], Predisposing variables [being non-black (OR = 0.095) or female (OR= 0.082)], or Need [self-reported pain (OR = 0.089)]. Conclusions. Overall, Enabling dimension variables were more highly predictive of dental service use (11.7 % of variance explained) compared to predisposing and need variables (1 % and 1.3 % respectively). Interestingly, Need (oral pain) was less predictive of dental service use than access to care (presence of dental insurance).