Self-perception regarding the need for orthodontic treatment among impoverished schoolchildren in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the present study were to assess predictive factors associated to self-perception regarding the need for orthodontic treatment among 170 impoverished schoolchildren.


METHODS
A cross- sectional study was conducted in public schools in the city of Belo Horizonte-MG (Brazil). Children's self-perception regarding the need for treatment was assessed using the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC) and a questionnaire addressing biopsychosocial factors. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used in the data analysis.


RESULTS
The predictive factors for the self-perception of orthodontic treatment need on the part of the impoverished schoolchildren included ridicule from persons close to the children regarding the appearance of the teeth (OR 2.81; 95%CI 1.2 to 6.4), dissatisfaction with oral aesthetics due to the alignment of the teeth (OR 2.45; 95%CI 1.1 to 5.4) and missing teeth (OR 3.02; 95%CI 1.0 to 9.23).


CONCLUSIONS
The alignment of the teeth, missing teeth and ridicule from others regarding the appearance of the teeth are the factors that most strongly influence self- perception regarding the need for orthodontic treatment among impoverished schoolchildren.
Marques
L S
LS
Department of Orthodontics, University of Vale do Rio Verde, Três Corações, Brazil. lsmarques.prof@gmail.com
Ramos-Jorge
M L
ML
Ramos-Jorge
J
J
Pereira
L J
LJ
Paiva
S M
SM
Pordeus
L A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001938:Brazil; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D003817:Dentition; D004955:Esthetics, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D016353:Self-Examination; D012938:Social Perception