The relation between gender in the access to dental services and goods

Abstract

Objective: Identify the influence of gender in the access to dental services and goods such as consultation, toothbrush, toothpaste and dental prostheses use. Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative and population coverage study, with the population of Guaiuba municipality. Data were collected by Community Health Agents from 2007 to 2008. We used the Community Oral Health Indicator to verify the access to oral health services, oral hygiene, dental visit, use and need of dental prosthesis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software, using the chi-square test and significance level of 5%. Results: 2581 people participated, with a mean age of 24.42 years (SD± 19, 365), predominance of females (n=1628; 63.1%). Among the interviewees, 2,341 (90.7%) had access to a toothbrush, 2272 (88.0%) to toothpaste, and 1175 (45.5%) to a dental appointment. The need for dental prosthesis was higher in women, 581 (35.7%) versus 221 (23.2%) men and their access [354 (60.9%)] versus [96 (43.4%)] with p<0.05. Conclusion: The access to health services and dental treatment presents gender as an influence factor. Women have most of the needs and benefits.