Equity inthe use of dental services provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) among the elderly: a population-based study.
The scope of this study is to establish the profile of elderly users of dental services provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System(SUS) and associated factors from the standpoint of equity. It involves an analytical cross-sectional study with hierarchical modeling conducted on the basis of a complex probabilistic sample of groups of the elderly (65-74 years of age) living in a densely populated Brazilian city. Independent variables were included relating to: socio-demographic characteristics, access to information on health, behaviors/health-care system and health outcomes. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple hierarchical analysis was performed. Of the 480 elderly persons included, 138 (31.2%) used dental services from the SUS. Use of these services was greater as per capita income and level of schooling decreased. It was lower among those who had not conducted exams of their own mouths (oral self-examinations) and higher among those individuals who used dental services for non-routine procedures. In addition, people whose relationship had been affected by oral health issues and a negative perception of their appearance used the SUS more frequently. The conclusion drawn is that the use of dental services of the SUS was most prevalent among the elderly living in precarious conditions.
Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. R. Dr. Rui Braga s/n, Vila Mauriceia. 39401-089 Montes Claros MG Brasil. renatafrancine@gmail.com.
Renata Francine Rodrigues de
RF
Oliveira
Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Piracicaba SP Brasil.
João Gabriel Silva
JG
Souza
Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. R. Dr. Rui Braga s/n, Vila Mauriceia. 39401-089 Montes Claros MG Brasil. renatafrancine@gmail.com.
Desireé Sant'Ana
DS
Haikal
Faculdade de Odontologia - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte MG Brasil.
Efigênia Ferreira E
EF
Ferreira
Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. R. Dr. Rui Braga s/n, Vila Mauriceia. 39401-089 Montes Claros MG Brasil. renatafrancine@gmail.com.
Andréa Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima
AM
Martins
D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009909:Oral Health; D016353:Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data