Evaluation of oral health care seeking behavior in rural population of central India

Objectives: To study the perception regarding common oral diseases and health seeking behaviour related to those diseases among rural population of central India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of Wardha, Maharashtra on a population between the age group of 18 and above. Data was recorded by a self administered, structured questionnaire in this study. Questionnaire was based on oral health literacy and health seeking behaviour of participants. Results: Study included 700 participants, 343 males and 347 females. Dental problem was reported by 68% of participants. Toothache was the most common dental problem reported. Government hospitals were chosen by 19% of participants as treatment centre. Fear 24.3% was found to be the major reason for not visiting the dentist. Conclusion: Healthcare seeking behaviour among rural population towards oral diseases was poor. So efforts must be made to bring a change in this scenario.