Users' dissatisfaction with dental care: a population-based household study

Ultra-Processed Foods and Schooling Are Independently Associated with Lower Iron and Folate Consumption by Pregnant Women Followed in Primary Health Care

Combined deficiencies of nutrients such as iron and folic acid intake during pregnancy are related to nutritional deficiencies risk, such as anemia. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between risk factors (sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle) and the intake of iron and folate by pregnant women followed up in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the Federal District, Brazil. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with adult pregnant women of different gestational ages. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied by researchers trained to collect sociodemographic, economic, environmental, and health data. Two nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls (24hr) were carried out to collect data about food consumption. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the association between sociodemographic and dietary risk factors and the consumption of iron and folate. The mean daily energy intake was 1726 kcal (95% CI 1641-1811), with 22.4% (95% CI 20.09-24.66) derived from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The mean iron and folate intake were 5.28 mg (95% CI 5.09-5.48) and 193.42 µg (95% CI 182.22-204.61), respectively. According to the multivariate model, the highest quintile of ultra-processed foods intake was associated with lower iron (β = -1.15; IC 95%: -1.74; 0.55; p < 0.001) and folate intake (β = -63.23; IC 95%: -98.32; -28.15; p < 0.001). Pregnant women with high school degree presented higher iron intake (β = 0.74; IC 95%: 0.20; 1.28; p = 0.007) and folate intake (β = 38.95; IC 95%: 6.96; 70.95; p = 0.017) compared to pregnant women with elementary school degree. Folate consumption was also associated with the second gestational period (β = 39.44; IC 95%: 5.58; 73.30; p = 0.023) and pregnancy planning (β = 26.88; IC 95%: 3.58; 50.18; p = 0.024). Further research is warranted to enhance evidence on the relationship between the role of processed foods and micronutrients intake to strengthen the nutritional quality of diet of pregnant women attended in Primary Health Care.

Factors associated with the use of dental care by elderly residents of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Objective: To investigate factors associated with the use of dental care services. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample of elderly individuals aged 65 years or older residing in the state of São Paulo in 2015 was performed. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analysis was used based on the theoretical model of access determination proposed by Andersen (1995) to predict dental care visits. Results: The prevalence of public service use by the elderly was 1.981 (37.8%), while 3.253 (62.2%) used the private service/ health plan/ other type of service. Hierarchical multiple analysis (p≤0.05) identified that less schooling or never having studied, non-white, lower income and motivated by pain/extraction were associated with the use of public dental services. The study showed a reduced use of public dental care among elderly persons who required some type of upper dentures (except complete dentures), need for some type of lower dentures (including complete dentures) and demonstrated a positive self-perception of oral health condition. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of the use of private dental care/health plan/other type of service was identified. Less schooling or never having studied, non-white skin color, lower income and seeking the dentist with pain or to extract teeth were factors associated with the use of public dental services by the elderly.

Factors associated with patients' satisfaction in Brazilian dental primary health care

Objective

To assess factors associated with patients’ satisfaction with the treatment by dentists in primary health care (PHC) in Brazil.

Materials and methods

The dataset was part of a nationwide cross-sectional survey for evaluating PHC teams conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Patients from each of 16,202 oral health teams were interviewed. In addition to sociodemographic information, the questionnaire included information about patient experience domains: access and booking of dental appointments, bonding and accountability, welcoming of the patient, and their perception of dental facilities.

Statistical analysis

The dependent variable was the answer to the question ‘From 0 to 10, how would you grade your satisfaction with treatment received from the dentist?’ Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios and corresponding 95% confidence interval.

Results

The mean patient satisfaction was 9.4 (±2.3). Higher patient satisfaction with PHC was associated with lower education and the patient’s perception of the clinic conditions. Moreover, higher satisfaction was associated with positive reception and hospitality, enough time for treatment, and instructions that met patients’ needs. Lower satisfaction with PHC was associated with patients who have jobs compared to those who do not work.

Conclusion

Patient satisfaction is increased with friendly and understanding PHC staff. Moreover, meeting patient expectations by taking time to understand the needs and giving the right instructions is associated with higher satisfaction.