Autopercepção de saúde bucal de jovens universitários e fatores associados

Abstract

The self-perception of oral health is a subjective indicator that refers to the interpretation that the individual makes about their oral health conditions, being related to their social, functional, psychological well-being and, consequently, to their quality of life. In addition, it is linked to the level of knowledge in oral health that the individual has and motivates him to seek access to services when he recognizes his need. Thus, the self-perception of oral health is influenced by the social determinants of health, being associated with socioeconomic, cultural and demographic factors, linked to the context to which the individual belongs, in addition to their subjective and individual characteristics. Some studies were carried out with the aim of exploring this subjective indicator, however, they are scarce with regard to the university population, which has specific characteristics related to the context in which they live at this stage of life, with oral health having a significant importance for well-being. being of these individuals. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the self-perception of oral health of university students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora and to identify associated factors. A cross-sectional census study was carried out with students aged 17 to 24 years enrolled in undergraduate courses at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora in 2021. Data collected through an online questionnaire containing information about the socioeconomic and demographic factors of the students were used. students and factors related to oral health. Data were processed using SPSS software version 20.0. The association of the dependent variable, selfperception of oral health, with the independent variables was investigated using bivariate analyzes and binary logistic regression, estimating the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), adopting a confidence interval of 95%. In the multiple model, variables with a value of p≤0.05 were included, with variables with a value of p<0.05 remaining in the final model. The prevalence of negative self-perception of oral health was 14.1% (95%CI 12.2-16.0). The following variables were associated with negative self-perception of oral health: single marital status (OR=0.34; 95%CI 0.12-0.98), monthly family income of up to 3 minimum wages (OR=2.02; 95%CI 1 .32-3.09), non-regular use of dental services (OR=2.29; 95%CI 1.48-3.53), dissatisfaction with the last visit (OR=1.97; 95%CI 1.23- 3.16), fear of dental treatment (OR=1.56; 95%CI 1.06-2.29), dissatisfaction with the appearance of teeth and mouth (OR=5.27; 95%CI 3.37-8 .22) and perceived need for dental treatment (OR=6.94; 95%CI 3.14- 15.33). It is concluded that university students mostly have a positive self-perception of oral health. However, factors related to socioeconomic profile, access to oral health services and satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and mouth have been shown to increase the likelihood of negative self-perception of oral health. However, it reinforces the need to seek strategies to increase and facilitate access and regular use of these services, including this approach, for example, along with the national student assistance policy (Pnaes) and other policies for comprehensive student health.