Oral Health and related inequalities among visual impairment people in a Brazil municipality

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the oral health and related factors among people with visual impairment in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive household study was carried out on a representative sample of people with visual impairments in a medium-sized city in Brazil. A clinical-dental examination was performed (evaluating tooth loss, caries, periodontal health, dental plaque use and need of prosthesis) and a semistructured questionnaire was applied, investigating the socioeconomic conditions (sex, age, marital status, skin color and income) and the use of dental services (reason, time since, and type of service used [private/public] in last dental visit). Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed to asses the factors related to oral health. Results: The mean age of participants was 65 years (±15.05), with the majority women (70.9%). 53.1% of the interviewees were edentulous, but 58.2% had a good perception of oral health. The blind ones use less public services (p=0.038) and with a lower frequency (p=0.014) than subjects with low vision. Those with less schooling had higher tooth loss and lower periodontal problems (p <0.05). There was a reduction of dental plaque six months after the educational action (30.7%; p=0.01), especially among the low vision participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: Severe tooth loss and unsatisfactory hygiene contrast with self-perception of oral health. Visual acuity and schooling were related to access and oral health. Actions for promotion and equity are necessary to overcome the inequalities encountered.

Abordagem odontológica humanizada em paciente com deficiência visual: relato de caso

“…A deficiência visual é a mais prevalente das deficiências (18,6%) em relação aos brasileiros que possuem algum tipo de deficiência. Sendo mais comum em pessoas acima de 65 anos, principalmente do sexo feminino (Moreira et al, 2023;Pires et al, 2022). Quando nos referimos as deficiências visuais, é importante compreender sua origem, que pode vir de duas formas: congênita e adquirida.…”

“…Brazilian Journal of Health Review, Curitiba, v. 6, n. 4, p. 17549-17562, jul./aug., 2023 A Política Nacional de Saúde da Pessoa com Deficiência (PNSPD) e a Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal (PNSB) propõe orientações para os cuidados em saúde da pessoa com deficiência, baseando-se nos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) de equidade e universalidade (Ministério da Saúde, 2004; Ministério da Sáude, 2010). Entretanto, o acesso aos serviços odontológicos ainda é baixo, e alguns grupos apresentam sérios problemas relacionados a saúde bucal (Barbosa et al, 2022;Figueiredo & Magno, 2022;Moreira et al, 2023;Moreno et al, 2022).…”

“…Entre os pacientes edêntulos há um alto índice CPOD, de 23,8. Parte dos participantes também apresentam algum grau de doença periodontal, apresentando sangramento, bolsa periodontal e perda de inserção óssea (Bonadiman et al, 2022;Moreira et al, 2023;Pires et al, 2022).…”