Current status and influencing factors of missing appointments in patients with periodontitis: a cross-sectional study

Aim: This study aims at analyze the current status and influencing factors of missing appointments in patients with periodontitis after supragingivgy scaling, and to explore the measures to reduce the rate of missing appointments, so as to provide a reference for the prevention of periodontitis and oral health promotion.

Methods: This study adopted convenience sampling method to select 204 patients who made appointments for revisits in Grade III and Grade A stomatological hospitals in Guizhou Province from May 2021 to May 2022 as the study objects, and conducted the investigation by general data questionnaire, patient satisfaction questionnaire and modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).

Results: The rate of missing appointments in patients with periodontitis was 64.48%.Gender, type of medical payments, perceived severity of disease, communication and convenience of medical service are the influencing factors of missing appointments in patients with periodontitis.

Conclusion: The situation of missing appointments in patients with periodontitis is not optimistic, and there are many influencing factors. It is suggested that medical staff should increase the popularization of disease knowledge, communication with patients, and improve the convenience of medical services. Relevant departments should improve the medical insurance system.