Abstract
Aim: This study evaluated the need for dental assistance of elderly people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methodology: This online observational survey included Brazilian elderly aged ≥ 60 years, with internet access from all Brazil's regions. They completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, general health, COVID fear (scale FCV-19S), and dental assistance. Data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis (α = 5%). Results: Overall, 705 elderly people completed the questionnaire. Most volunteers needed dental assistance (58.6%) although only 31.3% visited a dental office, reporting a dental urgency. Elderly had elective appointments (96.3%) in private dental services (95.9%), mostly accompanied during dental assistance (81.6%), without the need to wait (50.7%). Prosthodontic and restorative interventions were the most required procedures. In the dental office, the fear of being contaminated by COVID-19 existed in 53.9%, while the risk of being contaminated was considered medium (46%). Elderly from Northern, Northeastern, and Central-Western, with low educational level, previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and with highest FCV-19S scores had more fear of contamination in the dental office (all p <0.05). In Northern, Northeastern, and Southeastern Brazil, elderly with worse educational levels, and those with greatest FCV-19S scores (all p <0.05) considered the risk of being contaminated in dental offices. Conclusions: Finally, Brazilian elderly people still need dental assistance during the outbreak. Low-educational levels, previous COVID-19 diagnosis, fear of COVID-19, and highly affected Brazilian regions exhibited increased fear of being contaminated in the dental office, which may prevent them from seeking help.
Highlights
The last epidemiological surveillance report about COVID-19, from February 2021, ranked Brazil
Almost 60% of the elderly people reported the need to visit a dentist during the pandemic, only 31.3% went to the dental office
Most elderly look for elective appointments (96.3%) in private dental services (95.9%)
Summary
The last epidemiological surveillance report about COVID-19, from February 2021, ranked Brazil Painel CONASS COVID-19, 2020) in the third position of cumulative confirmed cases (10,517,232), after the United States (28,554,465) and India (11,096,731); and the second country with the highest cumulative number of confirmed deaths (254,221). These statistics reveal an uncontrolled infection worldwide after a year of strict measures to intensify the SARS-CoV-2 control, including lockdown periods, social distance, and hygiene protocols (American Dental Association, 2020; World Health Organization, 2002). Healthcare providers keep working and assisting people of all ages, which amplifies the contact between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and increases contamination (Meng et al, 2020)
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