Inequalities in negative maternal perception of oral health among Brazilian children: findings from the 2023 National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2023).

OBJECTIVE

To analyze socioeconomic inequalities in negative maternal perception of children's oral health in Brazil using data from the 2023 National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2023).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 6,970 five-year-old children. Our outcome was a negative maternal perception of child oral health. Inequalities were assessed by sex, race/skin color, maternal education, region of the country and wealth index. Complex measures of inequality, Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX) were estimated using ordered stratification. For interpretation, the estimates were multiplied by 100.

RESULTS

The prevalence of a negative maternal perception of child oral health was 30.4% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 27.1-33.9). It was higher among children whose mothers had ≤8 years of schooling (35.6%), were in the poorest wealth quintile (42.5%), and had caries experience (51.8%). The SII and CIX indicated marked inequalities for wealth quintiles (SII: -28.0; 95%CI -39.2; -16.7/ CIX: -10.3; 95%CI -17.4; -3.1) and maternal education (SII: -22.1; 95%CI -33.0; -11.2/ CIX: -7.9; 95%CI -14.5; -1.4). Higher prevalences were found in the North and Northeast regions and among Black and Brown children.

CONCLUSION

Substantial socioeconomic inequalities persist in maternal perception of children's oral health in Brazil. The findings highlight the need for equity-oriented oral health policies and actions to address social and racial disparities.