Can patient gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomics affect their attitude toward rubber dam? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Using rubber dam (RD) is essential during restorative and endodontic procedures. It aids in avoiding instrument or restorative material aspiration and helps the operator in achieving a clean and dry operating site. This study aimed to determine patient attitudes toward the use of RD in a Malaysian subpopulation based on their gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (household income and educational level). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted on the east-coast patient population of Malaysia, receiving restorative and endodontic treatments with a RD at the undergraduate dental clinics of the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 106 patients participated and answered the questionnaire based on their satisfaction with RD use. Randomized convenience sampling was done. The satisfaction levels with the use of RD were not significantly different among males and females. However, satisfaction levels were found to be statistically significant based on the level of comfort of different ethnic groups (P = 0.001) and recommendation to friends or relatives (P = 0.004). Satisfaction with RD usage based on level of education was also reported as statistically significant (P = 0.006). There was a statistically significant association between patients’ satisfaction on preference and recommendation to their friends or relatives (P = 0.005) based on household income. Conclusion: A patient who was well-educated and earned a reasonable income was more satisfied and prone to accepting and recommending RD usage.