Socioeconomic status and family functioning influence oral health literacy among adolescents

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Evaluate socio-demographic, family and behavioral factors associated with oral health literacy (OHL) in adolescents. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted with adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing socio-demographic data. The adolescents answered validated instruments on family cohesion and adaptability (family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale), drug use (alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test), type of dental service used for last appointment and OHL (Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Oral Health Literacy in Dentistry). Two dentists were trained to evaluate OHL (K = 0.87-0.88). Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by Poisson regression analysis (α = 5%). A directed acyclic graph was used to select independent variables in the study. RESULTS The following variables remained associated with better OHL: high mother's schooling level (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.03-1.12), high income (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), white ethnicity/skin color (RR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.01-1.10), married parents (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), "enmeshed" family cohesion (RR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.12-1.30), "structured" (RR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.01-1.12) or "rigid" (RR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.04-1.19) family adaptability, having more than five residents in the home (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.01-1.14) and having used a private dental service during the last appointment (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.03-1.13). CONCLUSION Family functioning and socio-demographic factors influence the level of oral health literacy among adolescents.

Degree of family cohesion and social class are associated with the number of cavitated dental caries in adolescents

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between number of cavitated dental caries in adolescents and family cohesion, drug use, sociodemographic factors and visits to the dentist. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 746 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years from Campina Grande, Brazil. The parents answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data, and the adolescents answered questionnaires on drug use, type of family cohesion and visits to the dentist. Two examiners underwent training and calibration exercises (K > 0.80) to diagnose dental caries using the Nyvad criteria. A directed acyclic graph was created to select the variables to be controlled in the statistical model. Associations between the independent variables and the outcome were determined using robust Poisson Regression analysis for complex samples (α = 5%). Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The prevalence of dental caries and cavitated lesions among the adolescents was 92.8% and 41.6%, respectively. The following variables remained associated with the number of cavitated lesions in the multivariate analysis: disengaged (RR: 6.30; 95%CI: 1.24-31.88; p = 0.028 ), separated (RR: 4.80; 95%CI: 1.03-22.35; p = 0.046) and connected (RR: 5.23; 95%CI: 1.27-21.59; p = 0.024) levels of family cohesion, and high social class (RR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.39-0.76; p = 0.001). In conclusion, this paper posits that adolescents with a lower socioeconomic status, and those whose family cohesion was classified as disengaged, separated or connected, had a larger number of cavitated lesions.

Oral Cancer: Socio-Spatial Analysis of a Brazilian Sample / Câncer Bucal: Análise Socioespacial de uma Amostra Brasileira / Cáncer Oral: Análisis Socioespacial de una Muestra Brasileña

Introduction:Socio-spatial measures are largely used in health research, but it is still unusual in oral cancer investigation. Objective: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of oral cancer and analyze the spatial distribution of the disease in relation to the neighborhood socioeconomic status including availability of health care centers.Method: Sociodemographic, clinical and histopathologic data were collected from patients treated from 2005 to 2015. Descriptive data analyses of all variables were performed. The spatial analysis was carried out through the program R. Geographic distribution of patients' home addresses was analyzed using Ripley's K function and Kernel maps. The socio-spatial vulnerability was defined by household income and home adequacy. Results: Of the 127 patients included, the majority were males (76.4%), Caucasian or Brown (82.7%), married (35.4%), with low educational level (71.6%) and mean age of 59.5 years. Cases were distributed in clusters characterized by lower median income and inadequate sanitary conditions. Primary health care centers were homogeneously distributed throughout the city. Conclusion: These oral cancer cases are concentrated in regions under relatively low socioeconomic conditions, and despite the homogeneous distribution of primary health care centers, it is not enough to promote access for patients and oral cancer remains being diagnosed late

Introdução: Medidas socioespaciais são amplamente utilizadas na pesquisa em saúde, mas ainda pouco exploradas em relação ao câncer de boca.Objetivo: Descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínicas do câncer de boca e analisar a distribuição espacial da doença em relação ao status socioeconômico do bairro, incluindo a disponibilidade de centros de saúde. Método: Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos dos pacientes atendidos no período de 2005 a 2015. Foram realizadas análises descritivas dos dados de todas as variáveis. A análise espacial foi realizada por meio do programa R. A distribuição geográfica dos endereços residenciais dos pacientes foi analisada usando a função K de Ripley e mapas de Kernel. A vulnerabilidade socioespacial foi definida pela renda familiar e adequação do domicílio. Resultados: Dos 127 pacientes incluídos, a maioria era do sexo masculino (76,4%), branca ou parda (82,7%), casada (35,4%), com baixa escolaridade (71,6%) e idade média de 59,5 anos. Os casos foram distribuídos em grupos caracterizados por menor renda mediana e condições sanitárias inadequadas. Conclusão: Os casos de câncer oral estão concentrados em regiões de baixa condição econômica. Embora os centros de atenção primária à saúde tenham sido homogeneamente distribuídos por toda a cidade, isso não é suficiente para promover o acesso dos pacientes e o câncer de boca continua sendo diagnosticado tardiamente.

Introducción: Las medidas socioespaciales son ampliamente utilizadas en las investigaciones relacionadas con la salud, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios en relación con el cáncer oral. Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas del cáncer oral y analizar la distribución espacial de la enfermedad en relación con el estado socioeconómico del vecindario, la disponibilidad de centros de salud. Método: Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos de pacientes tratados entre 2005 y 2015. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de los datos para todas las variables. El análisis espacial se realizó utilizando el programa R. La distribución geográfica de las direcciones de los hogares de los pacientes se analizó utilizando la función K de Ripley y los mapas de Kernel. La vulnerabilidad socioespacial se definió por el ingreso familiar y la adecuación del hogar. Resultados: De los 127 pacientes incluidos, la mayoría eran hombres (76.4%), blancos o morenos (82.7%), casados (35.4%), con baja educación (71.6%) y edad promedio 59,5 años. Los casos se distribuyeron en grupos caracterizados por ingresos medios más bajos y condiciones sanitarias inadecuadas. Los centros de atención primaria de salud se distribuyeron de manera homogénea en toda la ciudad. Conclusión: Estos casos de cáncer están concentrados en regiones con condiciones socioeconómicas relativamente mas bajas. A pesar de la distribución de la atención primaria, esta no suficiente para promover el acceso de los pacientes a ella y su diagnóstico continúa siendo tardío.

A national study on the use of opioid analgesics in dentistry

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of opioid analgesics prescribed by Brazilian dentists, potential regional differences and their association with socioeconomic and health-related factors. Data for all opioid prescriptions by dentists was obtained from the 2012 database of the National Controlled Substances Management System, regulated by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. The number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day for each Brazilian state were calculated as the primary outcomes. DDDs were compared by regions and Brazilian states. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the influence of the states' characteristics, such as the Human Development Index; poverty; education; number of dentists per 100,000 inhabitants; visit to the dentist; dental care plan; good or very good oral health; number of pharmaceutical establishments per 100,000/inhabitants; and ability to get all prescribed medications. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. A total of 141,161 prescriptions for opioids analgesics by 36,929 dentists were recorded, corresponding to 658,855 doses of opioids dispensed in 2012. The most commonly dispensed opioids were codeine associated with paracetamol (83.2%; n = 117,493). The national DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day was 0.0093 (range: 0.0002-0.0216). DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day was positively associated to visits to dentists (rs = 0.630; P < 0.001) and inversely associated to poverty (rs = -0.624; p = 0.001). There are significant differences in opioid prescriptions in dentistry among the Brazilian states. These differences may be associated with non-clinical factors.

Prevalence of and factors associated with enamel fracture and other traumas in Brazilian children 8-10 years old

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and discriminate the associated factors between enamel fractures and other trauma/trauma sequelae in 8 to 10-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren. A representative sample of 1,201 children from public and private schools were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics were answered by parents. The outcome variable (traumatic dental injury, TDI) was multi-categorized. Independent individual variables were sex, age, number of residents in household, parents/caregivers' level of education, family income, dental caries, and overjet. Type of school was considered an independent contextual variable. Multilevel analysis, bivariate, and multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were performed. The prevalence of TDI was 14.0% (2.8% with other trauma/trauma sequelae). The multilevel analysis revealed no significant difference between the type of school and TDI. The multinomial logistic regression showed that boys (OR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.1-4.8), older children (OR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1-3.0) and individuals with an overjet > 3 mm (OR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.0-6.2) were more likely to present other trauma/trauma sequelae. Enamel fracture was not significantly associated with any variables. The prevalence of TDI in 8 to 10-year-old schoolchildren was 14% but only 2.8% of other trauma/trauma sequelae. Differences regarding the associated factors of TDI involving enamel fracture or other trauma/trauma sequelae were detected, suggesting that the different TDI classification cannot be evaluated as a single category.

Comparative study of oral and salivary parameters in patients with and without loss of bone mass

Abstract Osteoporosis is an insidious and increasingly prevalent disease that can cause fractures and affect patients' quality of life. The current study comparatively evaluates patients with and without loss of bone mass in terms of salivary calcium, viscosity, and pH. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in two groups of 32 postmenopausal women subjected to a bone densitometry scan and later referred for dental management at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The patients were assigned to two groups: Group 1 - patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) and Group 2 - patients without bone mineral changes. The following salivary parameters were evaluated: calcium concentration, flow rate, viscosity, pH, and average total protein. An oral examination was performed for assessment of DMFT variables and tongue coating. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting a p-value < 0.05. The patients' mean age was 60 years (± 7.35). Salivary flow, pH, and viscosity were similar among the groups. Average total protein was 14.8 mg/mL and 19.0 mg/mL in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Tongue coating and salivary calcium levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (p < 0.001). Salivary calcium is an important screening tool and may eventually be used for the diagnosis of bone mineral changes.

Evaluating Psychometric Properties of an Instrument Addressing Comprehensiveness of Care Among Dentists

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument to assess comprehensiveness of care from dentists using a combination of classical test theory and item response theory. A 46-item instrument was developed and tested by a panel of experts, followed by a pilot test and administration to 187 primary care dentists in a large Brazilian city. The 46 items were evaluated using the following criteria: acceptability, internal consistency, temporal stability, inter-item correlation, and tetrachoric correlation. This evaluation led to a shortened version consisting of 11 items that met all the criteria previously described. The temporal stability was measured using Cohen's kappa, and all 11 items presented values greater than 0.5. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.72. None of the 11 items had missing data on the distribution of responses, and the model considering the discrimination as varying fit the data better than the model considering discrimination as a constant parameter (p<0.001). Item characteristic curves showed that 54.5% of items could be considered difficult, i.e., only dentists with a good understanding of comprehensiveness responded favorably. The 11-item instrument to assess comprehensiveness of care by dentists is considered to have good psychometric properties.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar as propriedades psicométricas de um instrumento para avaliar a integralidade do cuidado por dentistas, usando uma combinação da teoria clássica e teoria da resposta ao item. Um instrumento com 46 itens foi desenvolvido e testado por um painel de experts, seguido por um teste piloto e aplicação em 187 dentistas da atenção primária de uma grande cidade brasileira. Os seguintes critérios foram utilizados para avaliar os 46 itens: aceitabilidade, consistência interna, estabilidade temporal, correlação inter-item e correlação tetracórica. Essa avaliação resultou em uma versão reduzida de 11 itens que preencheram todos os critérios descritos acima. A estabilidade temporal foi medida utilizando o Cohen Kappa. Os 11 itens apresentaram valores maiores que 0,5. O alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,72. Nenhum dos 11 itens apresentou perda na distribuição das respostas, e o modelo que considera a discriminação como variante se adequa melhor aos dados do que o modelo que considera a discriminação como um parâmetro constante (p <0,001). Curvas características mostraram que 54,5% dos itens pode ser considerado difícil, ou seja, apenas os dentistas com uma boa compreensão da integralidade respondeu favoravelmente. O instrumento de 11 itens para avaliar a integralidade do cuidado por dentistas é considerado como tendo boas propriedades psicométricas.

Desigualdades na distribuição da cárie dentária no Brasil: uma abordagem bioética / Inequalities in the distribution of dental caries in Brazil: a bioethical approach

Este artigo objetivou analisar a problemática da cárie dentária, enquanto uma questão de saúde pública de relevância epidemiológica, tendo como suporte analítico a visão da Bioética da Proteção. Trata-se de estudo de caso realizado a partir de análise documental dos inquéritos epidemiológicos em saúde bucal, de base nacional, 1986, 2003 e 2010. Os levantamentos apontam desigualdades entre grupos populacionais. Essa desigualdade foi analisada, com relação à redução da doença na população mais jovem, no acesso ao atendimento, e na perda dentária, pior desfecho para a cárie dentária. Os bons resultados apresentados, nos levantamentos, não atinge toda a população, apresentando desigualdades por renda familiar e região brasileira. Constatou-se a partir de 2003 intervenções do Estado em ações protetoras, como adoção de critérios de equidade na destinação dos recursos na saúde e inclusão de populações em vulneração, contribuindo para redução da cárie. No entanto, considera-se necessário avançar mais nos modelos assistenciais em saúde bucal usando a Epidemiologia como uma ferramenta estruturante, já que as diferenças regionais ainda permaneceram marcantes, em interface com uma bioética protetora e socialmente responsável.

The scope of this paper was to analyze the problem of dental caries as a public health issue of epidemiological relevance. It is a case study based on documentary analysis of national epidemiological surveys on oral health in the years 1986, 2003 and 2010, with the Bioethics of Protection as an analytical support. The surveys revealed inequalities between population groups; and such inequalities were analyzed with respect to the reduction of the disease in the younger population, access to oral health care, and tooth loss, which is the worst outcome for tooth decay. The good results presented in the surveys have not reached the whole population; data have shown inequalities regarding family income and Brazilian region. It was also found that from 2003 government interventions in protective actions such as the adoption of criteria of equity in the allocation of health resources and inclusion of vulnerable population have contributed to a reduction in caries. Nevertheless, it is considered necessary update oral health care models by using Epidemiology as a structuring tool, and an interface with socially responsible protective bioethics, since regional differences continued to be marked in the analysis.

Fatores associados ao uso de benzodiazepínicos no serviço municipal de saúde da cidade de Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Factors associated with benzodiazepine prescription by local health services in Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

O uso inadequado de benzodiazepínicos é observado em diversos países. Este estudo transversal avaliou os fatores associados à prescrição de benzodiazepínicos para os usuários do Serviço Municipal de Saúde de Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi feita a partir da notificação das receitas (n = 1.866), entre setembro e outubro de 2006. Análises bivariada e multivariada, utilizando regressão de Poisson, foram executadas. O uso prolongado de benzodiazepínicos foi associado independentemente com o tipo de benzodiazepínico prescrito e cadastro em programas de saúde. O uso concomitante de outros psicofármacos foi associado independentemente com a idade e cadastro nos programas de saúde. O tipo de benzodiazepínico utilizado (Diazepam ou Clonazepam) esteve independentemente associado com a idade e sexo dos pacientes, bem como, com a participação em programas de saúde. Os fatores associados à prescrição de benzodiazepínicos evidenciam a amplitude do problema e devem ser considerados no planejamento de intervenções para a racionalização da utilização desses medicamentos no município, particularmente na organização dos programas de saúde.

Numerous countries have witnessed increasing misuse of benzodiazepines. This cross-sectional study assessed the factors associated with prescription of benzodiazepines for users of the Municipal Health Service in Colonel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data were collected from official records on drug prescription (n = 1,866) from September to October 2006. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using Poisson regression were performed. Prolonged benzodiazepine use was independently associated with benzodiazepine type and patient participation in health programs. Concomitant use of other psychoactive drugs was independently associated with age and participation in health programs. Type of benzodiazepine (clonazepam or diazepam) was independently associated with age and gender, as well as with participation in health programs. Factors associated with benzodiazepine prescription show the problem's extent and should be considered in planning interventions to rationalize the use of these drugs in Brazil, particularly through health program planning.

Hepatites virais na prática odontológica: riscos e prevenção / Viral hepatites in dental practice: risks and prevention

Objetivo: Discuti r os aspectos epidemiologicos das hepatites virais em profissionais de Odontologia, com enfase nas formas de transmissao e prevencao. Metodo: Revisao narrativa da literatura sobre riscos e prevencao das hepatites na pratica odontologica. Resultados: As hepatites constituem um grupo de doencas inflamatorias do figado de diversas etiologias, sendo mais comuns aquelas causadas pelos virus hepatotropicos de A a E. As hepatites A e E apresentam forma clinica aguda e autolimitada. As hepatites B e C podem cronificar e evoluir para a cirrose. Os sinais e sintomas das hepatites sao semelhantes e a evolucao da forma cronica e silenciosa ou oligossintomatica, sendo a doenca descoberta por acaso, muitas vezes em estagios avancados. O diagnostico precoce favorece maiores chances de cura. Os trabalhadores da area da saude tem maior risco de adquirirem hepatites principalmente pelos virus B e C. Conclusao: Os cirurgioes-dentistas, em sua pratica diaria, estao expostos a maior risco de acidentes com instrumentos perfuro-cortantes constituindo assim, um grupo de alto risco de contaminacao. E possivel que outros agentes causadores de diferentes formas de hepatites ou outras doencas, sejam identificados no futuro. A adocao de normas de precaucao universal no controle de infeccao e, e continuara sendo, fundamental para o controle das doencas transmissiveis no ambiente odontologico.

Objective: To discuss the epidemiological aspects of viral hepatites in dental professionals, with emphasis of the forms of transmission and prevention. Method: Narrative review of the literature on risks and prevention of the hepatites types in dental practice. Results: Hepatites are a group of inflammatory liver diseases with several etiologies, among which the most common are those caused by the A-E hepatotropic viruses. Hepatites A and E have acute and self-limited clinical presentation. Hepatites B and C may become chronic and progress to cirrhoses. The signs and symptoms of hepatites are similar and their evolution to the chronic form is silent or oligosymptomatic, which makes the disease being diagnosed incidentally, frequently at an advance stage. The early diagnosis increases the chances of chances of cure. Health professionals are at higher risk of having hepatites, especially those causes by the B and C viruses. Conclusion: Dentists, in their daily practice, are more exposed to accidents with cutting and perforating instruments, being thus a group with high risk of contamination. It is possible that other agents causing different forms of hepatitis or other diseases are identified in the future. The adoption of the universal infection control measures is and will always be essential for controlling transmissible diseases in dental facilities.

Facial fractures: a 1-year retrospective study in a hospital in Belo Horizonte

Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado para avaliar fraturas faciais em pacientes atendidos no ano de 2000 em um hospital público de Belo Horizonte. As informações coletadas incluíam idade, sexo, etiologia, distribuição do trauma de acordo com o dia da semana e o mês, o local anatômico da fratura e o tratamento. As análises envolveram estatísticas descritivas, teste qui-quadrado, teste Bonferroni e análise de variância. Foram encontradas 1.326 fraturas de face em 911 pacientes. A maioria das fraturas ocorreu em adultos na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. Os homens foram mais acometidos do que as mulheres, numa proporção homem:mulher de 4,69:1. Os traumas causadores de fraturas faciais ocorreram predominantemente nos fins de semana. Os acidentes de moto e bicicleta foram a maior causa de trauma, seguidos por violência interpessoal, acidentes automobilísticos e quedas. Quando analisada a relação entre o gênero e a etiologia das fraturas de face, observou-se uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre essas variáveis (p < 0,001). Houve também uma associação entre a idade dos pacientes e a localização das fraturas (p = 0,0014). O osso facial mais fraturado foi a mandíbula, seguida por complexo zigomático e nariz. O tratamento conservador foi realizado na maioria dos casos. Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o tipo de tratamento instituído e a localização da fratura (p < 0,001).