Pharmacological, Socio-Demographic, Clinical, and Behavioral Determinants of Delayed Dental Attendance Among Patients Screened at the Faculty of Dental Clinics, University of Basrah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Oral health is closely associated with general health. Nevertheless, many patients delay seeking dental care. Although comorbidities and chronic medication use are common among dental patients, financial difficulties and fear of dental treatment may represent major reasons for postponing dental visits. Objective. To identify the social, demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with delayed dental attendance. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,042 participants attending teaching dental clinics in Basrah, Iraq. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, medication use, and perceived barriers to obtaining dental care. Dental attendance was categorized as recent (within the previous 12 months) or delayed (more than 12 months ago or never). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of delayed dental attendance. Results. Delayed dental attendance was reported by 50.9% of participants. The strongest predictors of delayed attendance were perceived lack of treatment need (OR 7.14; 95% CI 5.17–9.27; p<0.0001), financial constraints (OR 5.09; 95% CI 3.90–6.64; p<0.0001), and fear of dental treatment (OR 3.77; 95% CI 2.48–5.73; p<0.0001). Additional significant factors included difficulties in scheduling appointments (OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.83–3.94; p<0.0001), prolonged waiting time before appointments (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.25–3.16; p=0.003), and lengthy appointment duration (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.29–3.98; p=0.004). Women were less likely than men to attend dental services (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64–0.99; p=0.046). Comorbidities, medication use, age, and educational level were not significant predictors of delayed attendance. The final model demonstrated a moderate goodness of fit (Nagelkerke R²=0.277). Conclusions. Approximately half of the surveyed population delayed dental attendance. Delayed visits were primarily associated with behavioral and access-related barriers, perceived lack of treatment need, financial limitations, and dental fear rather than with medical status or clinical conditions. Improving public awareness of the relationship between oral and general health and reducing barriers to dental care may contribute to more timely utilization of dental services.