| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem and aim of the study. Orthodontic treatment is an important part of oral healthcare, affecting functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial outcomes. Despite the increasing need, inequalities in access persist across regions due to the distribution of specialists and financial and organizational factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accessibility of orthodontic treatment and patient satisfaction in Alytus County. Objectives. To assess the accessibility of orthodontic treatment and patient satisfaction, and to identify the factors influencing these indicators. Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire specifically developed for this study. A total of 284 residents of Alytus County participated. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 31.0. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis) were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results. The majority of respondents reported limited availability of orthodontists (58.8%), while 31.3% indicated no choice at all. The main barriers to treatment were lack of specialists (85.5%) and high cost (63.6%). In children, the main barrier was specialist shortage (93.3%), while in adults it was treatment cost (88.0%). Most patients were treated in Alytus (64.8%), although many received care from visiting specialists. Private clinics were chosen by 71.2% of respondents. Travel time was usually up to 30 minutes, but district residents more often experienced longer travel times (p < 0.001). However, most respondents reported no or rare transportation difficulties. Most respondents reported no financial difficulties or experienced them only rarely. Treatment abroad was chosen by 12.9% of respondents, mainly due to lower costs. Most participants were satisfied with treatment, with 47.6% reporting high and 19.8% very high satisfaction. Higher satisfaction with orthodontic treatment was associated with treatment in private clinics (p < 0.001), shorter travel time to the orthodontist (p = 0.01), and fewer difficulties in scheduling appointments (p = 0.007). Conclusions. The accessibility of orthodontic treatment in Alytus County is limited and depends on the distribution of specialists as well as financial and organizational factors. The main barriers to initiating treatment are the lack of specialists and the cost of treatment. Some patients choose treatment in other cities or abroad in order to obtain more favorable conditions. Despite limited accessibility, most patients were satisfied with orthodontic treatment, and higher satisfaction was associated with treatment in private clinics, shorter travel time, and fewer difficulties in scheduling appointments. |
