ASSOCIATION OF EXPECTATION LEVELS WITH SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS AMONG PROSTHODONTIC PATIENTS REQUIRING REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between expectation levels and sociodemographic factors among prosthodontic patients requiring removable partial dentures (RPD).

Material and Methods: A total of 174 participants were selected using a consecutive non-probability technique at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The study included patients of both genders, aged between 16 and 65 years, who required new RPD. Patients with previous denture wear, as well as those with mental or physical disabilities, were excluded. Detailed history and clinical examinations were conducted, and participants were asked five questions regarding RPD delivery, eating after insertion, denture fixation, teeth coloration, and longevity. Expectation levels were stratified by gender, age, and socioeconomic status, and the association was analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results: The study consisted of 91 males (52.3%) and 83 females (47.7%), with a mean age of 47.13±1.71 years. The majority of participants had a high level of expectation (n=76, 41.3%), followed by moderate expectation in 88 (47.8%) participants, and low expectation in 20 (10.9%) participants. There was a statistically significant difference in expectation levels among different age groups (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in expectation levels between genders (P>0.05). Socioeconomic status had a significant effect on expectation levels regarding RPD (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Pretreatment expectations were significantly associated with demographic variables such as age, occupation, and educational level. However, no significant gender-based differences were observed in pretreatment expectations.