Introduction

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being yet often remains neglected, especially in remote and underserved regions. Jiri, a mountainous town in Nepal, represents such a setting where access to oral health care services is limited and barriers are common. Understanding the patterns of oral health care utilization and the perceived obstacles adults face can guide public health interventions and policies.

This cross-sectional study, published in BMC Public Health, investigates how adults in Jiri utilize oral health services and explores the socio-economic, cultural, and logistical barriers they encounter. The results shed light on critical gaps and opportunities for improving oral health care delivery in rural Nepal.

Scope and Importance of Oral Health Care in Nepal

Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral infections are prevalent worldwide and significantly affect quality of life. In Nepal, particularly in rural locations like Jiri, challenges such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited awareness exacerbate these problems.

Utilizing local oral health services when available can help reduce disease burden and prevent complications, making it essential to understand usage patterns and barriers unique to this community.

Key Findings of the Cross-Sectional Study in Jiri

Utilization Rates of Oral Health Care

The study surveyed over 500 adults aged 18 and older across Jiri, revealing:

• Only 30% of adults had visited a dental care provider within the past year.
• Majority relied on traditional oral hygiene practices instead of visiting clinics.
• Use of professional oral health services was higher among younger adults and those with formal education.

Perceived Barriers to Oral Health Care

Participants identified multiple barriers stopping them from seeking consistent oral health care, including:

• Financial constraints: Dental treatments considered too expensive.
• Distance to health facilities: Long travel times due to mountainous terrain.
• Lack of awareness: Limited knowledge about oral diseases and benefits of professional care.
• Fear and anxiety: Dental fear or past negative experiences.
• Limited availability of dentists and clinics within Jiri.

Benefits of Improving Oral Health Service Utilization

Increasing utilization of oral health services has tangible health and community benefits:

• Reduced prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease.
• Improved general health: Oral infections can exacerbate systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Better quality of life: Less pain, improved mastication and confidence.
• Cost savings: Preventive care reduces expensive emergency treatments.

Practical Tips to Overcome Barriers in Jiri

Communities, policymakers, and health professionals can consider the following strategies to enhance oral health care adoption in Jiri:

• Mobile dental clinics: Bringing services closer to remote households.
• Community oral health education: Raising awareness about oral hygiene and benefits of timely treatment.
• Subsidized dental care: Financial assistance for low-income residents.
• Training local health workers in basic oral screenings and referrals.
• Reducing stigma and fear through counseling and patient-friendly dental environments.

First-Hand Experience: Voices from the Community

“In the past, I only brushed my teeth with neem sticks, but when a mobile dental camp came here last year, I realized I had cavities that needed attention. Now I visit the clinic regularly,” – Manju, 34 years old, Jiri resident.

“The distance to the dental hospital is so far, it takes a whole day to go and come back. It’s hard for elderly people like me to travel,” – Bhakta, 62 years old, local farmer.

Conclusion

The cross-sectional study emphasizes that utilization of oral health care services in Jiri, Nepal remains low due to significant perceived barriers such as financial limitations, geographic obstacles, and lack of awareness. Addressing these challenges through targeted education, healthcare infrastructure improvement, and community-based interventions is vital for enhancing oral health outcomes.

For policymakers and public health advocates, these insights highlight a call to action for increasing accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of oral health services. By prioritizing oral health as part of holistic well-being, the people of Jiri can enjoy improved life quality and reduced disease burden.