Self-Perception Of Malocclusion And Barriers To Orthodontic Care: A Cross-Sectional Study In Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess adult levels of knowledge, awareness of malocclusion and barriers to the uptake of orthodontic care alongside the associated factors (sex and gender). METHODS: A convenience sample aged 18 years and above, residing in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, was recruited. A self-administrated validated questionnaire was used to collect the data, and data descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of the 700 distributed questionnaires, 554 usable were returned (response rate = 79%). The mean±SD age of participants was 26.40 (±7.87) years and 55.2% were females. Over 60% of the participants reported high oral health knowledge with respect to the alignment of teeth being important for esthetics and neglected malocclusion had consequences, eg, caries. Likewise, high percentages were having knowledge that thumb sucking (80%) contributed to malocclusion although early extraction of primary teeth and genetics was reported by just 52% and 40%, respectively. Awareness of the importance of teeth alignment was reported by 81.6%; however, 37.7% were only advised for orthodontic treatment. Notably, most of the aforementioned knowledge and awareness was statistically significantly higher among females compared to counterpart males (p < 0.05). As for barriers, high orthodontic treatment fees were the barrier for 80% of the total participants irrespective of age and gender. Females were statistically significantly more likely to report barriers for orthodontic care, eg, accessibility and length of treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants scored high levels of knowledge and awareness of oral health-specific conditions in relation to malocclusion. Although females were significantly knowledgeable and aware of malocclusion compared to males, social and orthodontic treatment factors were perceived as barriers to uptake of orthodontic care.