Socioeconomic and psychosocial predictors of dental healthcare use among Brazilian preschool children

Abstract

BackgroundDisparities in utilization of oral healthcare services have been attributed to socioeconomic and individual behavioral factors. Parents’ socioeconomic status, demographics, schooling, and perceptions of oral health may influence their children’s use of dental services. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationships between socioeconomic and psychosocial factors and the utilization of dental health services by children aged 1–5 years.MethodsData were collected through clinical exams and a structured questionnaire administered during the National Day of Children’s Vaccination. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsData were collected from a total of 478 children. Only 112 (23.68%) were found to have visited a dentist; 67.77% of those had seen the dentist for preventive care. Most (63.11%) used public rather than private services. The use of dental services varied according to parental socioeconomic status; children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those whose parents rated their oral health as “poor” used dental services less frequently. The reason for visiting the dentist also varied with socioeconomic status, in that children of parents with poor socioeconomic status and who reported their child’s oral health as “fair/poor” were less likely to have visited the dentist for preventive care.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that psychosocial and socioeconomic factors are important predictors of the utilization of dental care services.

Individual and contextual factors influencing dental health care utilization by preschool children: a multilevel analysis

“…25 However, previous studies showed that dental care utilization by preschool children is low and is associated with socioeconomic factors. 3,4,5,26 In our study, socioeconomic factors were related to the use of dental care, as reported by other authors. 3,4,5,26 The current study considered household income and parents' schooling as proxies for socioeconomic status, which were identified as individual determinants for the outcome.…”

“…3,4,5,26 In our study, socioeconomic factors were related to the use of dental care, as reported by other authors. 3,4,5,26 The current study considered household income and parents' schooling as proxies for socioeconomic status, which were identified as individual determinants for the outcome. Notwithstanding, only mother's schooling was fitted into the final model after adjustment for contextual variables.…”

“…The minimum sample size was estimated at 456 children. 4 As the present study was part of a survey in which other outcomes were considered, the final sample size was greater than the minimum required.…”

“…More information about the methodology and data obtained in this epidemiological survey can be accessed in previous publications. 4,15,16 Children were examined for dental caries in a dental chair. Visual examinations followed the ICDAS criteria.…”

“…1,2,3,4 Previous studies have suggested that some individual factors, such as being older, having a higher income, having one's own house, having access to preventive oral health information, having better educated parents, and being white children, could explain the reasons for seeking dental care services. 3,4,5,6,7 Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of contextual factors for different oral health outcomes, including the use of dental services. 8,9,10,11,12 In Brazil, the latest official publication showed regional inequality in dental care utilization (SBBRASIL 2010).…”