Dental Health Diagnosis in Quilombola Communities in Northern Minas Gerais - Minas Gerais

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to diagnose the oral health situation in two quilombola communities in the North of Minas Gerais, Monte Alto and Dos Nogueiras. Method:A cross-sectional, population-based, descriptive study was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to assess socioeconomic, cultural, and oral health conditions using the Oral Health Impact Profile. Information such as gender, age, skin color, education level, water supply, sanitation, family income, daily habits, tobacco and alcohol use, and self-perceived health conditions were collected. Through clinical examinations by calibrated examiners, prevalent oral diseases in both communities were identified. The data underwent descriptive and bivariate analysis, using Pearson's chi-squared test (X²) with a 95% confidence level and a significance level (α) of 5%. Results: In the Monte Alto quilombola community, absence of sewage treatment, low education levels, limited access to healthcare services, high rates of edentulism, and carious lesions were identified. In the Dos Nogueiras quilombola community, a high percentage of smokers, consumption of cariogenic foods, carious lesions, and periodontal diseases were observed. Conclusion: Oral health problems were attributed to poor sanitation conditions, limited access to healthcare services, consumption of cariogenic foods, and a high prevalence of smokers.