ISSN: 2573-8771
Authors: Siripipatthanakul S*
This study examines the influence of COVID-19 perceptions and COVID-19 worries on individuals’ intentions to postpone dental visits among dental patients in Thailand. The self-administered online questionnaire was developed based on reliable and valid sources. The quantitative approach employed convenience sampling to collect data from respondents (n=308) in Thailand. PLS-SEM results show the significant influence of COVID-19 perceptions and COVID-19 worries on individuals’ intentions to postpone dental visits among Thai dental patients both in the private and public sectors. Dental healthcare providers and strategic planners should consider appropriate strategic management due to changing consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendation is to do further research expanding sampling in other countries. Also, qualitative research could give more insight to explain the psychological factors and consumer behavioral changes among dental patients. The results could apply in both public and private sectors to encourage the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude among patients in any country. The hard work of healthcare providers regarding COVID-19 pandemic severity could be decreased. The cost-saving and healthy population worldwide will incur soon.
Keywords: COVID-19; Perceptions; Worries; Intention to Postpone; Dental Visits
