Características de los cuidadores asociadas al acceso a consulta odontológica en niños colombianos menores de 5 años

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood caries is the most prevalent oral pathology in children according to Estudio Nacional de Salud Bucal (ENSAB) IV. Caregivers are primarily responsible for the child's health, and there are sociodemographic factors that could explain why they decide not to attend a dental consultation with them. Objective: To identify the type of caregiver of children under 5 years, their sociodemographic characteristics, and their association with the child's access to dental practice. Methodology: A quantitative, analytical cross-sectional study. 6,389 records from the ENSAB IV study were analyzed. A logistic regression model was used to determine the sociodemographic aspects of caregivers associated with the access to dental practice of the children. Results: Most of the children (59.3%) had utilized oral health services, the main reason for the consultation was preventive checkup (59.9%). Increased dental consultation was observed in children when the caregiver is black (OR = 1.21; CI = 1.026-1.427), or is between 17 and 30 years old (OR = 1.30; CI = 1.153-1.479), or is unemployed (OR = 1.54; CI = 1.114-2.155), or is not insured to the health system (OR = 1.60; CI = 1.311-1.956). Dental consultation in children decreased when the primary caregiver is the father (OR = 0.64; CI = 0.569-0.732) or has a technical educational level (OR = 0.69; CI = 0.537-0.890). Conclusions: There is a significant association between sociodemographic aspects of the caregiver with the access to dental practice of children under 5 years. The reason for consulting is associated with sociodemographic factors. This information can be used to guide public oral health policies.