Factors associated with knowledge of community health workers about oral health

Abstract Background It is important that the community health workers (CHW) have enough knowledge to conduct educational practices and adequate referral of users, thus collaborating to address the health problems of the population. Objective In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with knowledge of CHW about oral health. Method This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 255 CHW in the municipality of Jequié, Bahia state, Brazil. Two questionnaires were applied to CHW for sociodemographic and occupational characterization and evaluation of knowledge about oral health. Magnitude of association was assessed by prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results Low level of knowledge about oral health proved to be directly associated with male gender, lower education, longer service life as CHW, and absence of a dentist in the staff of the health care unit. Conclusion The findings of this study provide new knowledge to be considered by managers and professionals responsible for the education in oral health of CHW, especially by highlighting the positive impact that the presence of a dentist in the health team may have on the expansion of this knowledge.