Socioeconomic inequalities related to dental care needs among adolescents and adults living in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fabíola Bof De Andrade,Flávia Cristina Drumond Andrade

doi:10.1590/1414-462x202129030186

Fabíola Bof De Andrade, Flávia Cristina Drumond Andrade

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-462x202129030186

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Abstract

Abstract Background There is significant evidence of inequalities in the need for dental treatment, and their monitoring is essential for public health planning. Objective To measure the extent of the association between socioeconomic inequality and need for dental care. Method This study used data from the 2011 Survey of Oral Health Conditions, including a representative sample of adolescents (n=2,310) and adults (n=1,188) from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Need for dental treatment was evaluated according to criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Family income was used as a measure of socioeconomic status. The magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities related to the need for treatment was assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). Results Among adolescents, the SII was -22.9% (95% CI -34.8; -11.0) and the estimated RII was 0.61 (95% CI 0.47; 0.79). Among adults, the SII was -28.0% (95% CI -39.8; -16.3) and the RII was 0.58 (95% CI 0.45; 0.74). Conclusion There are socioeconomic inequalities regarding the need for dental treatment, and individuals with lower family income present a higher prevalence of need.

Highlights

Oral health problems, such as dental caries in permanent teeth, are among the most prevalent diseases in the world[1]
The Brazilian public health system provides dental treatment to all residents free of charge, and access has increased over the past decade[4], but socioeconomic inequities in dental health and the need for treatment remain[2]
The State of Minas Gerais is located in the southeastern region and is the second most populous state in the country, with about 20 million inhabitants according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)[15]

Summary

Introduction

Oral health problems, such as dental caries in permanent teeth, are among the most prevalent diseases in the world[1]. Given the cumulative nature of oral health problems, assessment of the need for dental treatment throughout life is essential for disease prevention and restorative treatment. Among adults aged 35-44 years, 75% needed dental treatment[3]. Objective: To measure the extent of the association between socioeconomic inequality and need for dental care. Method: This study used data from the 2011 Survey of Oral Health Conditions, including a representative sample of adolescents (n=2,310) and adults (n=1,188) from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Conclusion: There are socioeconomic inequalities regarding the need for dental treatment, and individuals with lower family income present a higher prevalence of need.

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Methods

Conclusion