Temporal trends and factors associated with dental care for people with disabilities in the Northeast of Brazil (2014-2023)

Abstract

People with disabilities experience significant reductions in physical, mental, sensory or emotional conditions, requiring additional health care to ensure their well-being. This cross-sectional study analyzed temporal patterns and factors associated with dental care for PwD in primary oral health care in Northeast Brazil from 2014 to 2023. Secondary data from the Health Information System for Primary Care were used, including variables such as gender and age group. For temporal trends, the Joinpoint regression model was used. Poisson Regression analysis investigated the factors associated with the outcomes. There was a significant increase in PwD adherence to oral health services in the Brazilian Northeast (VPA = 69.9; p < 0.001). The results indicated a significant decrease in the prevalence ratio (PR) of dental care by men compared to women (RP = 0.778; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis by age group revealed a significant reduction in procedures for individuals aged 20 to 39 years (RP = 0.408), 40 to 59 years old (RP = 0.298) and 60 years or older (RP = 0.300), compared with the reference age range (0 to 19 years). There was a significant increase in PwD adherence to oral health services in the Brazilian Northeast. Women were attended more frequently than men, and the greatest adherence occurred in the age group from 0 to 19 years old.