Local government and public dental health services: an analysis of inequality in use

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2015-03, Vol.31 (3), p.586-596
• Main Authors: Soares, Felipe Fagundes, Chaves, Sônia Cristina Lima, Cangussu, Maria Cristina Teixeira
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Cluster Analysis; Dental Care - organization & administration; Dental Care - statistics & numerical data; Dental Health Services - organization & administration; Dental Health Services - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Healthcare Disparities - statistics & numerical data; Housing - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Income; Local Government; Male; Primary Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Private Sector - statistics & numerical data; Public Sector - statistics & numerical data; Socioeconomic Factors; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00077214

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the use of primary and specialized public dental health services and private services. A population-based household survey was conducted in two cities of Bahia State, Brazil. Key informants provided data on socioeconomic variables and use of dental health services. Organization of the local public dental health service was ranked as worse versus better. Univariate and multivariate polytomous logistic regression was performed. Of the total of 1,290 individuals, 38.76% used private services, 33.80% used public primary care, and 17.29% used both primary care and the Center for Dental Specialties. Less use of both primary care and specialized public services was associated with lower education (OR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10) and worse organization of services (OR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.22-2.48), when compared to the exclusive use of primary care. The study showed inequality in the use of dental services, even when comparing more homogeneous groups, namely users of public services.