The use of dental services on a regular basis in the population of Montes Claros in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract The use of dental services on a regular basis by residents of Montes Claros (MG) was assessed, as well as related aspects. Cross-sectional study was conducted with a complex probabilistic sample by conglomerates. Logistic regression was used (OR/CI95%) with a significance level of 5. Of the 2582 study participants, 761 required and obtained access to the services for less than a year. Of these, 262 (35.8%) used the services in a regular/routine manner. The use of dental services on a regular basis was greatest among individuals in the age group “≥ 18 ≤ 37”; with schooling “equal to or greater than 9 years”; who classified their oral health, general health and appearance of teeth and gums as “excellent/good”; who reported no pain” on teeth and gums over the last six months; They reported that the “assistance provider had adequate skills”; that they “always/often” received information about oral hygiene and diet/nutrition. In addition, this use was lower among those who rated the time to ask questions about the dental problem or treatment as “regular/bad/terrible.” The conclusion drawn is that the use of dental services on a regular basis was relatively low, being associated with personal traits, subjective health conditions and characteristics related to the services.

摘要 本研究评估了巴西米纳斯吉拉斯州蒙蒂斯克拉鲁斯市居民的牙科服务定期使用情况及其相关影响因素。本研究采用整群复杂概率抽样方法开展横断面研究（cross-sectional study），使用logistic回归（比值比OR/95%置信区间CI）进行分析，检验水准设定为5%。在2582名研究对象中，761名在近一年内存在就诊需求并获得了牙科服务。其中262人（占比35.8%）能够规律定期地使用牙科服务。牙科服务定期使用率在以下人群中更高：年龄处于18~37岁区间者、受教育年限≥9年者、自评口腔健康、全身健康以及牙齿牙龈外观为"优秀/良好"者、近6个月内未出现牙齿牙龈疼痛者、自述接诊医师具备充足诊疗能力者、"总是/经常"获得口腔卫生与饮食营养相关健康指导者。此外，对"咨询牙科问题或治疗相关问题的等待时长"评价为"一般/较差/极差"者，其牙科服务定期使用率更低。本研究得出结论：牙科服务定期使用率相对较低，且该使用率与个体特征、主观健康状况以及牙科服务相关特性存在关联。