Iniquidades socioeconômicas na saúde bucal de estudantes universitários do sul do Brasil

Abstract

Objective: To identify the magnitude of the association between dental caries experience and negative self-perception of oral health with socioeconomic determinants. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with data from a prospective cohort with university students entering the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) in 2016. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including demographic, socioeconomic and psychosocial characteristics. The outcomes of the present study were experience of self-reported caries (history of caries disease) and self-perceived oral health (positive versus negative). Results: A total of 3,237 students joined, of which 2,089 (64.5%) agreed to participate in the study. The Poisson regression model known that university students with an income of R $ 1001 to 5000.00 and R $ 5001 or more primary, respectively, a prevalence ratio (PR) 14% (PR=0,86; 95%CI 0,80-0,92) and 18% (PR=0,82; 95%IC 0,74 a 0,90) lower of caries experience, as well as individualizing mothers had completed high school prevalence a 14% (PR= 0,86; 95%CI 0,80 a 0,92) lower prevalence and complete higher education 19% (PR= 0,81; 95%CI 0,75 a 0,87) less caries experience when compared to reference groups. In the self-perception of oral health, the results for income of R $ 1001 to 5000.00 and R $ 5001 or more dissipated, respectively, a 23% (PR= 0,77; 95%IC 0,64 a 0,91) and 43% (PR= 0,57; 95%IC 0,45 a 0,72) lower prevalence of having negative self-perception of oral health and qualified originating from complete higher education reported a 23% lower prevalence of negative self-perceived oral health when compared to the reference (PR= 0,79; 95%IC 0,66 a 0,97). Conclusions: The findings of the present study confirm that socioeconomic indicators influence the experience of caries and self-perceived oral health among university students.