Inequalities in access and utilization of dental services: a cross-sectional study in an area covered by the Family Health Strategy

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the presence of inequalities in the access and use of dental services for people living in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and to assess individual determinants related to them. The sample co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2011, Vol.27 Suppl 2 (Supp2), p.S272-S283
Main Authors: Baldani, Márcia Helena, Antunes, José Leopoldo Ferreira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access
Acesso aos Serviços de Saúde
Adolescent
Age Factors
Brazil
Child
Child, Preschool
Children
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dental Care
Dental Care - statistics & numerical data
Dental service
Desigualdes em Saúde
Elderly
Equality
Family
Family Health - statistics & numerical data
Female
Health Planning
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Inequality
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Middle Aged
Public health
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Saúde Bucal
Socioeconomic Factors
Young Adult
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Summary:This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the presence of inequalities in the access and use of dental services for people living in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and to assess individual determinants related to them. The sample consisted of 747 individuals who answered a pre-tested questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis, obtaining explanatory models for recent use and, by limiting the analysis to those who sought dental care, for effective access. Results showed that 41% of the sample had recent dental visits. The lowest visit rates were observed among preschoolers and elderly people. The subjects who most identified the FHS as a regular source of dental care were children. Besides age, better socioeconomic conditions and the presence of a regular source of dental care were positively associated to recent dental visits. We identified inequalities in use and access to dental care, reinforcing the need to promote incentives to improve access for underserved populations.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
1678-4464
0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2011001400014