Factors related to dental caries in adolescents in southeastern Brazil.

AIM: Identify the experience of dental caries among adolescents associated to work, self-care, social life and access to healthcare services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 60 adolescents aged 15 and 16 years in a city in southeastern Brazil. The data were collected through a structured interview and clinical exam for dental caries carried out by a single, duly calibrated examiner (Kappa=0.8 to 0.9). The relationships between the dependent variable (experience of dental caries) and independent variables (work, self-care, social life and access to healthcare services) was determined using bivariate (chi square test, p<0.10) and multivariate analysis (p<0.25). RESULTS: Eighty percent had two or more teeth with caries (95% CI: 70.0-90.0). Mean DMFT was 4.72 (± 3.55) and DMFS was 8.07 (± 7.46). When the experience of caries was related to the independent variables, only access to healthcare services achieved statistical significance. Individuals with greater access had a threefold greater chance of belonging to the group with a lesser experience with caries, PR=3.2 (90% CI 1.07-9.78). CONCLUSION: All interviewees reported seeking care in the private system when requiring dental assistance. Access to healthcare (declared as essentially private) was associated to dental caries.