Self-perception of oral health and associated factors in quilombola older people: a population-based study

Abstract

Objective to investigate self-perception of oral conditions and associated factors in rural quilombola older people in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method This is an analytical and cross-sectional population-based study, in which cluster sampling with probability proportional to size (n=406) was used. Data collection involved conducting interviews and clinical dental examinations. Self-perception of oral conditions was assessed using the GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Determination Index). Results Most older people self-perceived oral health as excellent (46.3%) or regular (30.2%). Those surveyed also revealed precarious oral health and restricted access to dental services. In the multiple analysis, significant associations (p˂0.05) were found between regular GOHAI and variables related to the location of the last consultation and use of prosthesis, as well as between poor GOHAI and variables related to marital status, religion, reason for last consultation, CPO-D index and use of prosthesis. Conclusion A significant portion of the quilombola older people showed a more positive self-assessment of oral health, which differs from the professionally verified dental condition. It was also found that the report of poor perception of oral conditions was strongly associated with poorer oral health among those investigated.