The use of socio-demographic profiling of patients to monitor changes in the provision of care by the Community Dental Service.
COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH 1999;
16:213-5. [PMID:
10665173]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the socio-demographic profile of patients using the Leeds Community Dental Service (CDS) in 1996/97 and to determine any changes in profile since 1991/92.
DESIGN
Retrospective.
SETTING
The area served by Leeds Health Authority.
SUBJECTS
A total of 8,051 patients who had used the Leeds CDS in 1996/97 together with 9,372 patients from 1991/92.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Socio-demographic profile, including age group; ethnicity; deprivation (Townsend index) and disability.
RESULTS
Of children under 16 years old using the CDS in 1996/97, 24% were of South Asian ethnic origin, much higher than the 6% reported for Leeds in the 1991 census. Over the period of the study there was a reduction in the proportion of patients aged 5-15 years (75% to 65%, P < 0.001) and an increase in those aged 16-64 years (13% to 19%, P < 0.001). Increases were also seen in the proportion of patients from districts in the two most deprived quintiles (60% to 67%, P < 0.001) and for patients with special needs (19% to 28%, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicated an increased emphasis by the CDS on targeting groups likely to be unable or unwilling to seek treatment from the GDS. Socio-demographic profiling can be useful in monitoring the progress of changes in primary dental care.
Collapse