Dental Caries Experience and Associated Factors Among Brazilian Homeless Persons: A Cross-Sectional Study / Experiencia de Caries Dental y Factores Asociados entre Personas sin Hogar Brasileñas: Un Estudio Transversal

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental caries experience and its associated factors in homeless persons. A non-probabilistic sample of 176 participants (mean age 37.8 years) was included in this cross-sectional study. Interviews and clinical examinations were performed. Dental caries experience was recorded based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT). The dental caries experience was observed among 98.9 % of participants (mean DMFT 11.0 ± 6.95). Individuals in the "Over 44 years" age groups (PR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.1-1.6) and "30 to 36 years" (PR = 1.2; 95 % CI = 1.0 -1.4) had significantly higher caries experience. Individuals who do not brush or brush only 1x/day have 40 % and 20 % higher caries experience, respectively. Homeless persons had a high experience of dental caries, with significant tooth loss. Individuals in the advanced age groups, lack of income and non-achievement or low frequency of tooth brushing are factors associated with a greater experience of the disease in these individuals.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia de caries dental y sus factores asociados en personas sin hogar. En este estudio transversal se incluyó una muestra no probabilística de 176 participantes (edad media 37,8 años). Se realizaron entrevistas y exámenes clínicos. La experiencia de caries dental se registró en fun- ción del índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (DMFT). Se observó una experiencia positiva de caries dental entre el 98,9 % de los participantes (DMFT promedio 11,0 ± 6,95). Las personas en los grupos de edad "Ma- yores de 44 años" (PR = 1,4; IC del 95 % = 1,1-1,6) y "30 a 36 años" (PR = 1,2; IC del 95 % = 1,0 -1,4) tuvieron una experiencia de caries significativamente mayor. Las perso- nas que no se cepillan, o se cepillan solamente 1x / día tienen una tasa mayor de caries, de 40 % y 20 % más, respectivamente. En las personas en situación de calle se observó una alta tasa de caries dental, con una pérdida dentaria significativa. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de la enfermedad, fueron personas de edad avanzada, la falta de ingreso, no lograr el cepillado, o tener una menor frecuencia de cepillado.

Autopercepção da saúde bucal de idosos de um município de médio porte do Nordeste brasileiro / Self-perceived oral health among elderly individuals in a medium-sized city in Northeast Brazil

This study focused on self-perceived oral health of the elderly and associated variables. The sample consisted of 321 functionally independent individuals 60 years or older living in Parnaíba, Piauí State, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed and questionnaires were applied during home visits. The elderly presented poor oral health, with mean DMFT 29.41 (SD = 4.10). However, their self-perceived oral health was positive, with 52% showing high scores according to the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-perceived oral health included the need for upper prostheses, oral mucosal lesions, and self-rated oral health. The most important predictor was self-rated oral health, with a weight of 20% variation in self-perceived oral health. In conclusion, subjective measurement of oral health in the elderly is less associated with their actual clinical status and more with other subjective factors.

Este estudo objetivou identificar a autopercepção da saúde bucal de idosos e investigar as variáveis associadas a essa autopercepção. Foram pesquisados 321 indivíduos, de 60 anos ou mais, funcionalmente independentes, residentes do Município de Parnaíba, Piauí, Brasil. Realizaram-se exames clínicos bucais e aplicaram-se formulários durante visitas domiciliares. Os idosos apresentaram precárias condições de saúde bucal, com média CPOD de 29,41, (DP = 4,10). A autopercepção da saúde bucal, medida pelo Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), no entanto, foi positiva, 52% dos idosos obtiveram escores altos no GOHAI. Resultados da análise multivariada demonstraram que os preditores da autopercepção foram necessidade de prótese superior, alterações em tecido mole e autoavaliação de saúde bucal. A preditora mais importante foi a autoavaliação de saúde bucal, com um peso de 20% na variação da autopercepção. Concluiu-se que a medida subjetiva relacionada à saúde bucal dos idosos está menos associada às situações clínicas que eles apresentam e mais ligada a outros fatores subjetivos.