Luciane Miranda Guerra

Individual and contextual factors related to dental caries in underprivileged Brazilian adolescents

BackgroundInvestigate the individual and contextual variables related to caries in underprivileged adolescents, and the disparity in distribution of the disease.MethodsCross-sectional analytical study, conducted in the city of Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, in 2012. The probabilistic sample was composed of 1,179 adolescents from 15–19 years of age, randomly selected from 21 state schools and 34 Primary Health Units – Family Health (PHU-FH). The dependent variables studied were number of decayed teeth and caries experience (DMFT). The independent variables were classified into individual (clinical, sociodemographic, psychosocial, self-perception, impact on oral health, access to services, and quality of life) and contextual (social exclusion index, total number of residents in suburb, literacy rate, and the following variables given in percentages: residences in the home ownership category, provision of domestic sewerage, trash collection, families with income of over 1 minimum wage per month, and families without monthly income) variables. The multilevel regression model was estimated by the PROC GLIMMIX (Generalized Linear Models-Mixed) procedure, considering the individual variables as Level 1 and the contextual variables of the suburbs as Level 2. Adjustment of the model was evaluated by -2 Res Log Likelihood with α = 0.05.ResultsAs regards the individual variables, adolescents who declared having a prison inmate in the Family and resided in homes with a larger number of persons, showed a higher number of decayed teeth. There were a larger number of decayed teeth, a higher DMFT value, and worse self-perception as regards the health of their teeth and mouth. Other variables, such as being of the female gender, age and time since last visit to the dentist were related to the DMFT index. As regards the contextual variables, the DMFT was lower in suburbs with greater access to domestic sewage, and the number of decayed teeth was higher in suburbs with the worst social exclusion indices.ConclusionIndividual and contextual variables were associated with the presence of caries and DMFT index in underprivileged adolescents, indicating that they must be taken into consideration in the formulation of policies directed towards oral health promotion and prevention activities in this group.

Referência e Contrarreferência na atenção Secundária em odontologia em Campinas, SP, Brasil

This article aims to evaluate the referencing of the demand for specialized care in oral health in Campinas in relation to the distribution of treatment and the influence of socio-economic variables in addition to the perception and information available to users in relation to counter-referencing. It is an observational exploratory study, selecting two Health Administrative Regions: one with a Center for Dental Specialties and one without, divided into two phases: 1) all referrals to secondary care were collected from all Oral Health teams as well as population and socio-economic data and distribution of referrals; 2) interview with 331 users, checking the counter-referencing, quality of service and reasons for absences or withdrawals. Regarding the counter-referencing, the majority of users who received the specialized treatments were well attended, and waited less than one month for appointment scheduling. The management model did not statistically influence access to secondary care in oral health. It was found that in a given Health Administrative Region the discrepancies were less evident and there was a correlation coefficient of demand attended with socio-economic variables, in addition to a lower percentage of non-attendance, demonstrating a greater commitment to integrity and fairness.This article aims to evaluate the referencing of the demand for specialized care in oral health in Campinas in relation to the distribution of treatment and the influence of socio-economic variables in addition to the perception and information available to users in relation to counter-referencing. It is an observational exploratory study, selecting two Health Administrative Regions: one with a Center for Dental Specialties and one without, divided into two phases: 1) all referrals to secondary care were collected from all Oral Health teams as well as population and socio-economic data and distribution of referrals; 2) interview with 331 users, checking the counter-referencing, quality of service and reasons for absences or withdrawals. Regarding the counter-referencing, the majority of users who received the specialized treatments were well attended, and waited less than one month for appointment scheduling. The management model did not statistically influence access to secondary care in oral health. It was found that in a given Health Administrative Region the discrepancies were less evident and there was a correlation coefficient of demand attended with socio-economic variables, in addition to a lower percentage of non-attendance, demonstrating a greater commitment to integrity and fairness.

Variables associated with the performance of Centers for Dental Specialties in Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Centers for Dental Specialties (CDS) in the country and associations with sociodemographic indicators of the municipalities, structural variables of services and primary health care organization in the years 2004-2009. The study used secondary data from procedures performed in the CDS to the specialties of periodontics, endodontics, surgery and primary care. Bivariate analysis by χ2 test was used to test the association between the dependent variable (performance of the CDS) with the independents. Then, Poisson regression analysis was performed. With regard to the overall achievement of targets, it was observed that the majority of CDS (69.25%) performance was considered poor/regular. The independent factors associated with poor/regular performance of CDS were: municipalities belonging to the Northeast, South and Southeast regions, with lower Human Development Index (HDI), lower population density, and reduced time to deployment. HDI and population density are important for the performance of the CDS in Brazil. Similarly, the peculiarities related to less populated areas as well as regional location and time of service implementation CDS should be taken into account in the planning of these services.

Variáveis de impacto na queda da mortalidade infantil no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1998 a 2008

This is an ecological, analytical and retrospective study comprising the 645 municipalities in the State of Sao Paulo, the scope of which was to determine the relationship between socioeconomic, demographic variables and the model of care in relation to infant mortality rates in the period from 1998 to 2008. The ratio of average annual change for each indicator per stratum coverage was calculated. Infant mortality was analyzed according to the model for repeated measures over time, adjusted for the following correction variables: the citys population, proportion of Family Health Programs (PSFs) deployed, proportion of Growth Acceleration Programs (PACs) deployed, per capita GDP and SPSRI (Sao Paulo social responsibility index). The analysis was performed by generalized linear models, considering the gamma distribution. Multiple comparisons were performed with the likelihood ratio with chi-square approximate distribution, considering a significance level of 5%. There was a decrease in infant mortality over the years (p 0.05). The proportion of PSFs deployed (p < 0.0001) and per capita GDP (p < 0.0001) were significant in the model. The decline of infant mortality in this period was influenced by the growth of per capita GDP and PSFs.This is an ecological, analytical and retrospective study comprising the 645 municipalities in the State of São Paulo, the scope of which was to determine the relationship between socioeconomic, demographic variables and the model of care in relation to infant mortality rates in the period from 1998 to 2008. The ratio of average annual change for each indicator per stratum coverage was calculated. Infant mortality was analyzed according to the model for repeated measures over time, adjusted for the following correction variables: the citys population, proportion of Family Health Programs (PSFs) deployed, proportion of Growth Acceleration Programs (PACs) deployed, per capita GDP and SPSRI (São Paulo social responsibility index). The analysis was performed by generalized linear models, considering the gamma distribution. Multiple comparisons were performed with the likelihood ratio with chi-square approximate distribution, considering a significance level of 5%. There was a decrease in infant mortality over the years (p < 0.05), with no significant difference from 2004 to 2008 (p > 0.05). The proportion of PSFs deployed (p < 0.0001) and per capita GDP (p < 0.0001) were significant in the model. The decline of infant mortality in this period was influenced by the growth of per capita GDP and PSFs.

A má oclusão e sua associação com variáveis socioeconômicas, hábitos e cuidados em crianças de cinco anos de idade

INTRODUCTION: The progressive increase in the rates of malocclusion has generated the need for knowledge of its prevalence, so that measures of health promotion and prevention can be developed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between malocclusion and socioeconomic, demographic, habits and care in five years old children. MATERIAL AND METHOD:The sample consisted of 441 children under five registered in nine family health units for eastern region of Sao Paulo city. Oral examinations were conducted and applied structured questionnaire to parents with questions about demographic characteristics, socioeconomic relating to family and home issues and habits, care and hospitalization of the child. Data analysis consisted of bivariate analysis using Chi-square test followed by multiple logistic regression model. RESULT: Malocclusion was found in 41.7% of children. Those who used a pacifier for up to 2 years were 1.24 times more likely to have malocclusion than those who did not. Children who used a pacifier for more than 2 years were 4.08 times more likely to have malocclusion than those who did not. The sleeping open-mouthed had 1.72 times more likely to have malocclusion. Allergies or bronchitis were associated to a higher chance to develop malocclusion. CONCLUSION: The malocclusion is strongly associated with harmful habits, especially the use of pacifiers, and affects similarly children of different socioeconomic levels.

Evaluation of knowledge of Oral Health of Community Health Agents connected with the Family Health Strategy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Community Health Agents (CHA) about the oral health/disease process, and compare the results between those who work in Family Health Teams (FHT), with and without Oral Health Teams (OHT). The participants in this study were 162 subjects, representing 66% of the total number of CHA in the municipality, and 81 of them are connected with Family Health Units (FHU) with OHT, and 81 CHS with FHUs without OHT. Data were collected from October to December 2013, by application of a questionnaire, containing personal and professional data, and 12 validated questions about knowledge of the oral health/disease process. The Mann-Whitney test was applied to verify differences between the groups. Statistically significant differences were verified between the groups of CHA when the total scores of questions about the oral health/disease process were analyzed (p < 0.0021). It was concluded that knowledge about the oral health/disease process, of the CHAs connected with a FHU with an OHT was better when compared with that of CHAs connected with a FHU without an OHT.

Estratégias para o enfrentamento do absenteísmo em consultas odontológicas nas Unidades de Saúde da Família de um município de grande porte: uma pesquisa-ação

The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for missed appointments in dental Family Health Units (FHU) and implement strategies to reduce same through action research. This is a study conducted in 12 FHUs in Piracicaba in the State of Sao Paulo from January, 1 to December, 31 2010. The sample was composed of 385 users of these health units who were interviewed over the phone and asked about the reasons for missing dental appointments, as well as 12 dentists and 12 nurses. Two workshops were staged with professionals: the first to assess the data collected in interviews and develop strategy, and the second for evaluation after 4 months. The primary cause for missed appointments was the opening hours of the units coinciding with the work schedule of the users. Among the strategies suggested were lectures on oral health, ongoing education in team meetings, training of Community Health Agents, participation in therapeutic groups and partnerships between Oral Health Teams and the social infrastructure of the community. The adoption of the single medical record was the strategy proposed by professionals. The strategies implemented led to a 66.6% reduction in missed appointments by the units and the motivating nature of the workshops elicited critical reflection to redirect health practices.The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for missed appointments in dental Family Health Units (FHU) and implement strategies to reduce same through action research. This is a study conducted in 12 FHUs in Piracicaba in the State of São Paulo from January, 1 to December, 31 2010. The sample was composed of 385 users of these health units who were interviewed over the phone and asked about the reasons for missing dental appointments, as well as 12 dentists and 12 nurses. Two workshops were staged with professionals: the first to assess the data collected in interviews and develop strategy, and the second for evaluation after 4 months. The primary cause for missed appointments was the opening hours of the units coinciding with the work schedule of the users. Among the strategies suggested were lectures on oral health, ongoing education in team meetings, training of Community Health Agents, participation in therapeutic groups and partnerships between Oral Health Teams and the social infrastructure of the community. The adoption of the single medical record was the strategy proposed by professionals. The strategies implemented led to a 66.6% reduction in missed appointments by the units and the motivating nature of the workshops elicited critical reflection to redirect health practices.

Variables associated with the oral impact on daily performance of adults in the state of São Paulo: A population-based study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the oral impact on daily performance and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, tooth pain, need for prosthesis, and periodontal disease of adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study with secondary data obtained from the Oral Health Conditions Project– 2015 conducted in 163 municipalities in the state of São Paulo with the participation of 17,560 individuals. This study evaluated adults in the age-range between 35–44 years (n = 5,855), selected by means of probabilistic cluster sampling in two stages. The outcome variable was the OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performances), obtained by using this instrument to assess daily activities (eating, speaking, oral hygiene, relaxation, sports practice, smile, study/work, social contact, and sleep). The independent variables were collected and grouped into three blocks: Block 1 (sex, age group, and ethnic group); Block 2 (household income and education); and Block 3 (tooth pain, need for prosthesis, bleeding, calculus, and periodontal pockets). A hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis was performed considering the complex cluster sampling plan. Each observation was assigned a specific weight, depending on the location, which resulted in weighted frequencies adjusted for the effect of outlining. Results: the female sex (p<0.0001), ethnic group black/mulatto (p<0.0001), low household income (p = 0.0112), up to 8 years of education (p<0.0001), tooth pain (p<0.0001), presence of bleeding (p<0.0001), and presence of periodontal pockets (p<0.0001) had greater oral impact on daily performance. Conclusion: sociodemographic characteristics, tooth pain, and presence of periodontal disease were associated with oral impact on daily performance of the adult population in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Influence of the quality of life and locus of control of mothers of disabled children on the oral health of their children: QUALITY OF LIFE OF MOTHERS OF DISABLED CHILDREN

AIM To investigate whether quality of life of mothers is related to oral health of disabled children. METHOD This is an analytical cross-sectional study, based on interviews with 49 mothers and oral clinical examination (DMFT and OHI-S) in children with disabilities from 2 to 6 years old, assisted by the Rehabilitation Center of Piracicaba, SP. Mothers answered WHOQOL BREF quality of life instrument and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fishers exact test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULT Most children of the sample were aged from 37 to 48 months (40.81%) and presented neuropsychomotor development delay. Mothers reported (55.1%) that their interference in the health/illness of their children was a fortuitous process. The social relationships domain of WHOQOL BREF presented significant association (p = 0.0404) with DMFT index. CONCLUSION We observed that quality of life of mothers can interfere in oral health of children, regarding social relationships.

Women's sense of coherence and its association with early weaning

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether there is an association between sense of coherence levels and early weaning. METHOD This study had a quantitative nature and a cross-sectional design. Factors associated with early weaning (interruption of maternal breastfeeding) were investigated in a sample of 425 women older than 18 years, mothers of children up to 36 months of age who were not twins, with no sensory or motor deficiencies, without distinction of ethnicity or social class. The chi-squared test, with a significance level of 5%, was used to evaluate the association between the dependent variable (early weaning) and the independent variables (socioeconomic, demographic factors and sense of coherence level). Variables with p≤0.20 were tested by the multiple logistic regression model. Odds ratio and the respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated. All statistical tests were performed using the SAS 9.2 software. RESULTS The results showed that mothers with greater sense of coherence were 1.82 times more likely to maintain breastfeeding for longer periods (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS The identification of mothers with low sense of coherence allows the early intervention of health professionals, contributing to decrease the rates of early weaning in the population.