Perception of the need for prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous patients in Yaoundé

General objective: The main objective of this study was to characterize the perception of the need for prosthetic dental rehabilitation among edentulous patients in Yaoundé. 

Methodology: A descriptive Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study was conducted over nine months in four healthcare facilities (private secular and religious, and public) in the city of Yaoundé. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire administered to edentulous participants who had given their informed consent. Data processing was performed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0 statistical analysis software. 

Results: A total of 235 participants were included, with a predominance of females (53.2%). The most represented age group was 18-28 years. Most participants were employed (48.9%), had a monthly income below the guaranteed minimum interprofessional wage (39.6%), and had more than two missing teeth (40.4%). The majority of participants (39.1%) had a low level of knowledge about dental prosthetics, almost all participants (88.1%) held incorrect attitudes, and their practices were predominantly harmful (46%). 

Conclusion: The perception of edentulous patients is influenced by numerous factors, such as knowledge and the cost of prosthetics, which impact attitudes and practices.