Spatial barriers and the bypassing of nearby dental clinics for dental services: a secondary data analysis in Korea.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to calculate the distance patients travel to dental clinics, the rate of bypassing nearby dental clinics and the distance covered when bypassing nearby dental clinics, and explored factors associated with patients' spatial access to dental clinics.

Design

A secondary data analysis.

Setting

Korea Health Panel.

Participants

We included users of dental care services from 2008 to 2011. A total of 2375 patients and 15 978 dental visits were analysed.

Primary outcome measures

Korea Health Panel data (2008-2011) were used to geocode patients' and healthcare facilities' addresses. The distance travelled was calculated using road network information. To analyse the panel data, we adopted a generalised estimating equation: geographical m

SUBMITTER: Shin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6347908 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature