Access to Dental Care in Zanzibar Coastal Districts: Public Health Impact Analysis Over Three Years
Abstract
The Zanzibar Coastal Districts in Tanzania face significant challenges in accessing dental care, impacting public health outcomes. A mixed-method approach combining surveys, focus group discussions, and spatial analysis was employed to evaluate dental service utilization and its associated factors. Findings indicate that only 45% of the population in Zanzibar Coastal Districts visited a dentist annually, with higher utilization among urban residents compared to rural areas (p < 0. 01). Access to dental care remains suboptimal across the region, highlighting urgent needs for targeted interventions. Increased investment in dental infrastructure and community-led initiatives are recommended to improve access and promote oral health. Dental Access, Public Health, Zanzibar Coastal Districts, Utilization Patterns Treatment effect was estimated with logit (pᵢ) =₀+^ Xᵢ, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.
Key Points
Objective
This research aims to evaluate the factors influencing dental service utilization in Zanzibar Coastal Districts and its public health implications.
Methods
- Mixed-method approach using surveys and focus group discussions
- Spatial analysis of dental service access
- Comparison of urban and rural dental care utilization rates
Results
- Only 45% of the population visited a dentist annually
- Higher dental care utilization in urban areas versus rural areas (p < 0.01)
- Access to dental care remains generally suboptimal across the region