Association between Unmet Dental-Care Needs and the Intention to Use Mobile Healthcare Services among Soldiers
10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.3.208
- Author:
Mi-Sook YOON
1
;
Han-A CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Dental Hygiene, Shinhan University, Uijeongbu 11644, Korea
- Publication Type:RESEARCH ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Dental Hygiene Science
2024;24(3):208-220
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Although a direct association has been established between oral health management and maintaining militarycombat readiness and fulfilling defense duties, unmet dental-care needs have been consistently reported, and there has been little research on the role of mobile healthcare services in addressing this issue. This study explored the association between unmet dental-care needs and the intention to use mobile healthcare services among military personnel.
Methods:This study was conducted on military personnel who visited a military hospital in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, from August 19to August 31, 2024. A total of 150 self-administered questionnaires were distributed and 135 valid responses were analyzed. The analysis included general characteristics, dental care utilization, and intention to use mobile healthcare services. Statistical analyses, such as t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression, were employed to determine the factors influencing the intention to use mobile healthcare services.
Results:This study found that military personnel with unmet dental-care needs had significantly higher intentions to use mobilehealthcare services than those without such needs. The analysis revealed that the key factors influencing this intention were perceived health status and previous dental-care utilization. Specifically, participants who rated their overall health as better and those who had used dental care services in the past year showed a greater tendency to express interest in mobile healthcare services than those who did not. Furthermore, unmet dental-care needs were more prevalent among soldiers who reported limited access to dental facilities owing to time constraints or a lack of prioritization of oral health, which increased their inclination toward utilizing mobile healthcare solutions as an alternative.
Conclusion:Mobile healthcare solutions can offer personalized and timely care as viable alternatives for improving oral healthmanagement in the military. Moreover, integrating mobile healthcare services into military health systems could significantly reduce unmet dental-care needs and enhance overall combat readiness by promoting better health outcomes.
