The purpose of this study was to determine elements affecting the dental service utilization of mothers. 982 mothers were surveyed among the residents living of an area of Chollabuk-do Province, Korea. Using the Health Belief Model a qustionnaire was constructed and administrated to the samples. Collected data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, multiple regression and path analysis. The obtained results were as follows;
1. In consequence of the multiple logistic regression analysis putting the utilization of dental service in dependent variable, frequency of medical utilization, perceptions of susceptibility and salience had significant effects on dental visits.
2. The significant factors directly influencing frequency of dental visits were frequency of medical utilization, perception of susceptibility, perceptions of seriousness and salience, in multiple regression
analysis.
3. In results of thepath analysis, most sociodemographic factors except mother´ s age had indirecteffect on frequency of-dental visits. Also, perceived self oral health knowedge and level of health concern had indirect effect on frequency of dental visits.
4. According to the results of the path analysis, the major factors influencing the frequency of dental visits were frequency of medical utilization, cue to action, perception of susceptibility, preceptions of seriousness and salience, and mother´s perceived seriousness was most important factor affecting frequency of dental visits.
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