Facial trauma and background level: a study on the population’s perspective

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the population’s understanding on facial trauma, according to their level of schooling. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative, documentary study conducted, based on 852 interviews carried out in two Brazilian state capitals. The association between the levels of schooling and varied knowledge of facial trauma was investigated. The data were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with a margin of error of 5%. Results: there was a statistically significant association between the participants’ schooling and their understanding on the consequences of trauma in: functions (p = 0.001), mouth mobility (p = 0.005), and dental issues (p = 0.003). In the most affected population, schooling was also associated with youth (p = 0.001) and adults (p = 0.044). Regarding causes, there was association with falls (p = 0.034) and traffic accidents (p = 0.034). There was association with bikers (p = 0.016) and motorcyclists (p = 0.001) as the population with greater propensity. Schooling was associated with all the professionals. Concerning the consequences to the victim’s life, there was association also with general health (p = 0.049), household chores (p = 0.001), and social life (p = 0.001). Recklessness was the only cause with an association (p = 0.004). Schooling was associated with previous knowledge of trauma (p = 0.001). Conclusion: their understanding on the consequences of trauma, most affected population, main causes, professionals involved in the treatment, repercussion for people’s lives, and previous knowledge of the subject increased along with the levels of background.