[Regular use of dental care services by adults: patterns of utilization and types of services].
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of regular use of dental services by adults and identify groups where this behavior is more frequent. A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in Pelotas, southern Brazil, including 2,961 individuals who answered a standardized questionnaire. Overall prevalence of regular use of dental services was 32.8%. The following variables were positively associated with regular use: female gender, age >or= 60 years, no partner, high educational level, high economic status, private service user, good/excellent self-rated oral health, and no perceived need for dental treatment. Those who had received orientation on prevention and expressed a favorable view towards the dentist had higher odds of being regular users. Especially among lower-income individuals, regular use was infrequent (15%). When restricting the analysis to users of public dental services, schooling was still positively associated with the outcome. Dental services, especially in the public sector, should develop strategies to increase regular and preventive use.
Camargo
Maria Beatriz J
MB
Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil. mbiajac@uol.com.br
Dumith
Samuel C
SC
Barros
Aluísio J D
AJ
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009909:Oral Health; D017149:Private Sector; D017150:Public Sector; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult