Determinación de los factores que dificultan el acceso y uso de los servicios odontológicos en adultos mayores atendidos en la clínica de la Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Introduction: In older adults, the use of dental care is conditioned by multiple individual, social, and structural factors, making it necessary to identify those that limit its utilization in local contexts. Objective: To determine the factors that hinder access to and utilization of dental services among older adults treated at the clinic of the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. Method: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 92 older adults treated at the UCSG Dental Clinic. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic variables, access barriers, dental anxiety (MDAS), and the educational level regarding aging and oral health. Results: Age was significantly associated with the use of dental services, whereas sex and economic income level showed no significant associations. The most frequent access barriers were cost/copayment and transportation or distance; however, no individual barrier showed a statistically significant association with service use. Regarding dental anxiety, a significant association was observed only for pre-appointment anxiety. The educational level regarding aging and oral health was not significantly associated with service utilization. Conclusions: The use of dental services among older adults is mainly influenced by age and anticipatory anxiety, while economic factors, access barriers, and educational level act as descriptive conditions rather than direct determinants.