Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health-related quality of life among Brazilians: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Assess the magnitude of the socioeconomic inequalities related to the impact of oral health on quality of life among adults and elderly individuals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data from the most recent oral health survey from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sample included data on 2288 individuals-1159 adults in the 35-44 age group and 1129 adults in the 65-74 age group. Socioeconomic inequalities in Oral Impacts on Daily Performance ratings were measured using two inequality measures: the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). Results: The prevalence of negative impact of oral health on quality of life was 42.2% for the total sample, 44.9% among adults and 37.5% among elderly individuals. Significant absolute and relative income inequalities were found for the total sample (SII -27.8; RII 0.52) and both age groups (adults: SII -32.4; RII 0.49; elderly: SII -18.3; RI 0.63), meaning that individuals in the lowest income level had the highest prevalence of negative impacts. Regarding schooling, no significant differences were observed among the elderly. Conclusion: There were significant socioeconomic inequalities related to the negative impact of oral health-related quality of life in Brazil among both age groups.