Fatores contextuais e individuais associados à dor dentária em adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos de idade do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract

Dental pain in adolescents has been described as a common experience that results in substantial restrictions on daily living and it is considered a public health problem. Adolescence is a transitional phase characterised by intense physical and psychological changes, in which individuals may show behaviours that can compromise their health, including oral health. Adolescents are therefore a vulnerable group, which require adequate attention based on their individual, family and social context. The main of this cross-sectional study was to assess which individual and contextual factors are associated with toothache in adolescents (15 to 19 years old) in Southern Brazil, besides the elaboration of three technical products, on relevant topics to prevent toothache. Regarding toothache, secondary data from SB Minas 2012 epidemiological databank were collected. Dependent variable was toothache reported in the last six months. The covariates were: domains (capital, Interior I and Interior II, sex, skin color, family income, prevalence of untreated dental caries, periodontal condition, need for dental treatment and last dental appointment (time). The contextual variables were Human Development Index (HDI), Gini Coefficient, illiteracy, unemployment, Half and quarter Brazilian monthly minimum wage, Primary Health Care Coverage, oral health team coverage, access to individual health care and supervised tooth brushing; these covariates were analyzed at the regional level of the State. A multilevel logistic regression statistical model (OR –95%CI) was carried out to assess the association between the different levels, considering 5% significance. Data were analyzed in the IBM SPSS Software version 22.0 program. The prevalence of toothache was 23.1% (277/1200). Male adolescents showed lower chance of having the outcome (OR 95%CI 0.53 0.37-0.75). In addition, adolescents whose families earned until R$1,500 had 1.58-fold higher chance of belonging to the group with toothache. Individuals with untreated dental caries and probing depth above 3mm shower higher chance of having toothache, respectively, (p<0.001 and 0.034). And adolescents with dental treatment need showed almost seven times more chance of having the outcome (OR 95%CI 6.93 3.96-12.14). No association with contextual variables. In conclusion, socioeconomic and clinical factors are associated with toothache. It’s necessary to reinforce the formulation of more effective public health actions. Three technical products were developed: (the use of interactive digital technologies – app, information leaflet and banner), which intend to inform with accessible language knowledge on Dentistry to prevent toothache. In conclusion, the use of interactive digital technologies can be of great value for education, prevention and health promotion.