Implementation of the School Health Program: relationship with aspects of students’ oral health

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between the School Health Program (PSE) implementation and aspects related to the oral health of adolescent students attending public schools in Brazil. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2015 National School Health Survey (PeNSE) in a sample of 81,154 students aged 13 to 15 in the capitals, Federal District, and inland cities. Data were retrieved from questionnaires answered by students and those responsible for the schools. We performed a bivariate analysis of the association between the variable ‘implementation of PSE actions by the school’ (Yes/No) and aspects related to the students’ oral health. Compared to schools without PSE implementation, those that had implemented the Program had better behavioral indicators (consumption of sugar-added foods, cigarettes, and alcohol); selling healthy or sugar-added foods; availability of a health group/committee, and actions of the More Education Program and with Primary Health Care Units (p<0.05). We concluded that there was an association between the implementation of the PSE and more favorable aspects related to oral health regarding the students’ diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, and school health and education actions.