Abstract

MATOS, Divane Leite  and  LIMA-COSTA, Maria Fernanda. Self-rated oral health among Brazilian adults and older adults in Southeast Brazil: results from the SB-Brasil Project, 2003. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.8, pp. 1699-1707. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2006000800018.

The aim of this study was to determine which characteristics (predisposing and enabling, oral health, perceived need for dental treatment, and behavior) are independently associated with self-rated oral health among adults and older adults in Southeast Brazil. The study was based on 3,240 participants in the SB-Brasil Project/ Southeast. The characteristics of those who rated their oral health as good/very good were compared to those who rated it as fair, poor, or very poor. The following characteristics were significantly and independently associated with better self-rated oral health among adults: monthly household income > US$ 60.00, no current perceived need for dental treatment, place of residence in cities with > 50,000 inhabitants, and visit to the dentist > 3 years previously. Among older adults the factors were: monthly household income > US$ 60.00, no current perceived need for dental treatment, and 1-19 permanent teeth. Our results confirm those observed in other countries, showing associations between self-rated oral health and predisposing and enabling factors, oral health, perceived need for dental treatment, and behavior.

Keywords : Oral Health; Adult; Aged.