Attitudes of Adult Patients toward Chairside Screening for Medical Conditions in Dental Settings: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Peshawar

Abstract

Background: The paradigm of healthcare delivery has shifted to emphasize holistic, integrated patient care. Dentists, as acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO), play a key role in systemic disease prevention and control. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, hepatitis B, and HIV/AIDS, are highly prevalent in Pakistan. Chairside medical screenings in dental settings could serve as a public health strategy for early detection of systemic diseases, yet patient attitudes toward these screenings remain understudied in Pakistan. The objective of the study was to assess patient attitude and willingness to chairside screening for systemic diseases in a hospital-based dental setting in Peshawar.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the dental outpatient department of Police Services Hospital, Peshawar, over six months from February to July 2025. A total of 420 patients aged 20 years and above were selected using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v22. Associations between demographic, socioeconomic factors, and willingness for screening were assessed through Chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA and p value <0.05 was consider significant.

Results: The findings revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) between age, gender, education, employment, and willingness to undergo chairside screening. Women and younger participants were more willing, while educational attainment and employment status positively influenced acceptance. Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with lower willingness in economically disadvantaged groups.

Conclusion: The study highlights a generally positive attitude toward chairside screenings, with key demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing willingness. These insights can inform strategies to integrate chairside screening into routine dental visits, improving early detection and preventive healthcare in Pakistan.