Effect of sociodemographic variables on complete denture satisfaction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic factors on quality of satisfaction towards denture treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred subjects (filling inclusion criteria) who were wearing a denture for at least two months were enrolled and divided into five groups on the basis of sociodemographic variables (age, gender, literacy level, socio-economic and marital status). Questionnaires consisting of 38 questions (positive and negative attitude towards denture satisfaction) related to patients' perception of clinical outcome in different domains such as mastication, appearance, speech, comfort, health, denture care and social status were scored by the subjects. Questions reflecting positive attitude were scored as 2, 1, or 0 (yes, uncertain and no, respectively) and reversely for the negative questions. Statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Level of denture satisfaction was higher in age subgroup belonging to 45 - 65 years of age in relation to comfort, health and denture care. Female and male showed significant priority for denture treatment because of esthetic and function respectively. Level of satisfaction was statistically significant with literacy level. Upper high income group showed significantly higher level of satisfaction only in case of social status. Married group showed significantly higher satisfaction level only with comfort. CONCLUSION: Patients' sociodemographic variables were influential factors on denture satisfaction.