Assessing oral health of crack users in Brazil: Perceptions and associated factors, findings from a mixed methods study

This study explores associated factors and perceptions of oral health among crack users recruited in open drug scenes in Brazil. A mixed methods approach was used. The quantitative component analysed findings from a large (N = 7381), population-based survey. The outcomes under analysis were 'se...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Global public health 2021-04, Vol.16 (4), p.502-516
Main Authors: Gaio, Doriana Cristina, Bastos, Francisco Inácio, Moysés, Samuel Jorge, Moysés, Simone Tetu, Corrêa da Mota, Jurema, Nicolau, Belinda, Ignacio, Sergio, Cubas, Marcia Regina, Tozetto Vettorazzi, Maria Lucia, Gonçalves dos Santos, Zilá Ferreira Dias, Werneck, Renata Iani
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clinical outcomes
Crack cocaine
crack users
Dental insurance
Drug abuse
Health problems
Health services
Health status
inequalities
Medical personnel
Medical treatment
Mixed methods research
Mouth
Oral health
Oral hygiene
Perception
Perceptions
Professionals
Referrals
Self image
Substance abuse
Substance abuse treatment
Teeth
Tobacco
vulnerability
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Summary:This study explores associated factors and perceptions of oral health among crack users recruited in open drug scenes in Brazil. A mixed methods approach was used. The quantitative component analysed findings from a large (N = 7381), population-based survey. The outcomes under analysis were 'self-perception of oral health' and 'self-reporting of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gingiva (gums)'. The qualitative component comprised a focus group, with 12 individuals recruited from a drug treatment clinic. Lower self-perception of oral health problems vis-à-vis a higher prevalence of problems affecting the mouth, teeth, and gingiva were found in users who had a lower level of education, used substances daily, had worse self-perception of physical health, did not receive health care and regularly used alcohol and/or tobacco. The results show an association between substance use and decline in oral health, as well as the lack of health services focusing on such issues. Oral health services should be emphasised as a gateway to the health system. So far, the putative cross-referral between services and professionals working in oral health and other health professionals working in the field of drug dependence has not been observed.
ISSN:1744-1692
1744-1706
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2020.1809693