Socioeconomic inequalities in self-perceived oral health among adults in Chile

Abstract

BackgroundThis paper studies the socioeconomic disparities in self-perceived oral health among Chilean adults and in the perceived physical, functional, psychological and social consequences of oral health.MethodsIn February 2011, 1,413 residents of Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile, were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and examined by dentists for dental status and oral health conditions. Only adults 18 to 60 years old affiliated with the public healthcare system were eligible to participate. We estimate socioeconomic gradients in self-perceived oral health and its distinct dimensions. We use the Heckman two-step procedure to control for selection bias given the non-random nature of the sample. In addition, we use a two-equation ordered response model given the discrete nature of the dependent variable.ResultsThere is a non-linear socioeconomic gradient in self-perceived oral health even after controlling for oral health status. The gradient is steep at the lower end of the income distribution and constant at mid-income levels. These socioeconomic disparities are also found for the psychological and social dimensions of self-perceived oral health, but not for the functional limitations and physical pain dimensions.ConclusionsThe findings are consistent with inequities in the access to oral health services due to insufficient provision in the public sector and costly options in the private sector.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12939-017-0519-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health insurance and education: major contributors to oral health inequalities in Colombia

“…Our results agree with the former and in general with evidence from other Latin American countries showing marked socioeconomic gradients in different measures of oral health 10–12. Importantly, we showed inequalities by health insurance scheme, as was also observed in a study from Chile,10 a Latin American country with a healthcare system very similar to the Colombian one.…”

Monitoramento das equipes de saúde bucal após a Política Nacional de Atenção Básica 2017

“…This phenomenon may represent a reduction in users’ access to oral health services, with effects on health conditions and quality of life 15 , 16 . In addition, the reduction of access to health is related to greater inequality in oral health, which is in line with the movement to expand the supply of services in primary care and reduce unfair inequalities 17 , 18 .…”

“…Esse fenômeno pode representar uma redução no acesso dos usuários aos serviços de saúde bucal, com consequentes impactos nas condições de saúde e qualidade de vida 15 , 16 . Além disso, a redução do acesso em saúde está relacionada à maior iniquidade em saúde bucal, o que vai de encontro ao movimento de ampliação da oferta de serviços na atenção primária e redução de desigualdades injustas 17 , 18 .…”

What do people do before going to the dentist? Qualitative study of cultural practices of pain relief in primary care.

“…In Chile, despite the implementation of a series of reforms in public health, the problems of access and quality of care still persist, mainly due to inadequate facilities and limited resources to provide the services patients need. [3][4][5] Furthermore, the low number of dentists in the public sector and the overload of cases,which decreases time asigned to patients making more difficutl to perform treatments. 6 Consequently, the vulnerable sectors go to the dentist less often.…”