Delay of Dental Care: An Exploratory Study of Procrastination, Dental Attendance, and Self-Reported Oral Health

Abstract

Delay of dental care is a problem for dental public health. The present study explored the relationship between procrastination and dental attendance, focusing on delay in seeking dental care. This hypothetical relation was compared to other avoidance-related factors affecting dental attendance. In addition, an inquiry into the reasons for delaying dental care was conducted. Students (n = 164) answered an internet-based questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, dental health, dental attendance, delay of dental care, reasons for the delay, procrastination (IPS), dental anxiety (MDAS), perceived stress (PSS) and oral health self-efficacy (OHSES). The study found no significant relation between procrastination and delay in dental care. However, procrastination was related differently to past, present, and future dental attendance and seemed to relate to oral health behavior. Delay of dental care was associated with higher dental anxiety and lower oral health self-efficacy. The cost of dental care was the most frequently given reason for the delay of dental care. Further research on the delay of dental care and dental attendance is warranted in understanding the behavior, implementing interventions, and improving the utilization of public dental care.

Relationship between self-control and Academic Procrastination among College Students in China: A General Perspective

“…Published Date: 12 March 2024 persistent procrastination. Moreover, the percentage of individuals reporting procrastination tendencies is increasing each year (Steinvik et al, 2023). However, the formation of academic procrastination is not simply a matter of study habits and time management; rather, it involves complex factors across multiple dimensions, including behavior, cognition, and emotion (Furlan & Cristofolini, 2022;Hailikari et al, 2021).…”