Analysis of the factors influencing follow-up visit behavior after supragingival scaling in patients with chronic periodontitis

To investigate the factors influencing follow-up visit behavior among patients with chronic periodontitis after supragingival scaling, and to provide evidence for early identification of high-risk dropouts and improvement of treatment continuity.

This study was approved by the Institutional Medical Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 572 patients with chronic periodontitis who received supragingival scaling at the Outpatient Department of The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine from July 2022 to July 2023 and required subsequent periodontal sequential therapy. Data regarding sex, age, monthly income, education level, oral health literacy, reason for visit, and satisfaction with care were collected. Patients were divided into a follow-up group and a dropout group based on whether they adhered to the scheduled appointments within 12 months. Chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests were used for univariate comparisons between the groups. Variables with P < 0.05 in the univariate analysis (gender, education level, monthly income, reason for visit, oral health literacy, and satisfaction with care), along with age (as a covariate), were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the factors influencing follow-up behavior.

Among the 572 patients, 239 attended follow-up visits, while 333 dropped out, resulting in a dropout rate of 58.22%. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, education level, monthly income, reason for visit, oral health literacy, and satisfaction with care (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients referred for treatment had significantly lower compliance (OR = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.154-0.377, P < 0.001). Conversely, higher oral health literacy scores (OR = 1.159, 95% CI: 1.056-1.272, P = 0.002) and higher satisfaction with care (OR = 4.090, 95% CI: 1.732-9.656, P = 0.001) were associated with better follow-up adherence.

Follow-up behavior in patients with chronic periodontitis after supragingival scaling is primarily influenced by the reason for visit, oral health literacy, and satisfaction with care. These factors can serve as intervention targets to reduce dropout rates in clinical practice.