Factors influencing the use of public dental services: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Background There is limited evidence of the influence of psychosocial factors and health beliefs on public dental patient's patterns of service use in Australia. The research aims were to examine associations between dental attitudes and beliefs of public dental service users and dental visiting intention and behaviour using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Methods 517 randomly selected adult public dental patients completed a questionnaire assessing dental attitudes and beliefs which was matched with electronic records for past and future dental service use. A questionnaire measured intentions, attitudes, subjective norms and perceptions of behavioural control and self-efficacy in relation to visiting public dentists. A measure of dental attendance at public dental clinics was obtained retrospectively (over 3 1/2 years) and prospectively (over a one year period following the return of the questionnaire) by accessing electronic patient clinical records. Results Participants had positive attitudes, subjective norms and self-efficacy beliefs towards dental visiting but perceived a lack of control over visiting the dentist. Attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy and perceived control were significant predictors of intention (P < 0.05). Intentions, self-efficacy and past dental attendance were significant predictors of actual dental attendance (P < 0.05). Conclusion Public dental patients held favourable attitudes and beliefs but perceived a lack of control towards dental visiting. Reducing structural barriers may therefore improve access to public dental services.Liana Luzzi and A John Spence

Levelling up the Leading Edge: Investing in our natural assets for collective wealth

This is the final version.Research Englan

Peripheral Vision: Reimagining Regional Policy for a Greener Union

This is the final versionThis report documents an event held in December 2020, co-organised by Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter, as part of the Britain's Leading Edge initiative. The conference sought to re-frame the debate on regional policy in the UK, outlining the specific challenges and opportunities for building sustainable green growth in the periphery. It also aimed to identify the shared priorities amongst academics and policy makers around which new partnerships could be formed. The purpose of the event was to establish a new generation of thinking on spatial policy where the periphery is concerned, outlining the tools, strategies, and resources needed for peripheral regions to harness their full political and economic potential. The report provides a comprehensive account of the content of the event and the debates it raised.Research England - Strategic Priorities Initiativ