[Socioeconomic inequalities in the use of dental services: a study of Mexican schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years].
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic indicators and use of dental services in a sample of 3,048 Mexican schoolchildren. The dependent variable 'use of dental services' and independent variables were collected through a questionnaire addressed to mothers. To determine oral health needs, a clinical oral examination was performed. The adjusted associations were evaluated using polytomous logistic regression. Adjusted by gender, the categories associated with both preventive and curative services were age, greater frequency of brushing, earlier initiation of brushing, healthcare coverage, and better socioeconomic status. In addition, for preventive services only, use of services was associated with enrolment in private school, and for curative services only, family's possession of an automobile and having moderate to high oral health needs. The results suggest the existence of socioeconomic inequalities in the use of both preventive and curative dental services by Mexican children.
Medina-Solís
Carlo Eduardo
CE
Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, México. cemedinas@yahoo.com
Villalobos-Rodelo
Juan José
JJ
Márquez-Corona
María de Lourdes
Mde L
Vallejos-Sánchez
Ana Alicia
AA
Portillo-Núñez
Carlos López
CL
Casanova-Rosado
Alejandro José
AJ
D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D009909:Oral Health; D012943:Social Security; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data