A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Knowledge, Social Perceptions and Willingness to undergo Orthodontic Treatment amongst Adults

Abstract

VBackground: Orthodontic challenges are an important consideration in a person's total well-being. Fortunately , there has been an increase in the number of orthodontists and hospitals attending to orthodontic problems across Nigeria. This may be expected to translate to an increase in awareness. The present study , therefore, assessed the knowledge, social perceptions and the willingness of adults to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Methods: One hundred and ninety-seven adults were evaluated in this cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire based study . A questionnaire with 12 close ended questions was adopted from a previous study
Results:The majority (1 49, 75.6%) of respondents were female with a mean age of 23.86 years (SD =3.36592). About half of the respondents (97 , 49.2%) had knowledge of orthodontic treatment. Of these, a greater percentage (7 4, 88.3%) have not previously had orthodontic treatment. Only 23 respondents reported having had orthodontic treatment in the past. Most of the respondents (152,77 .2%) did not believe that they required orthodontic treatment. Amongst the 22.8% that believed they needed orthodontic treatment, majority were females. Of those who felt they needed treatment, poor awareness (30.5%) and cost factor (1 7 .8%) accounted for the reason they had n't as yet sought treatment.
Conclusion: There is an increase in awareness and knowledge of orthodontics among adults. This ref lects in their increased demand for treatment. However, cost was shown to be a major limitation. The inclusion of orthodontic treatment as part of the health insurance policy of the Nigerian government is recommended.