Toothache and associated factors in Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional population-based study
2009

Toothache and Factors in Brazilian Adults

Sample size: 1805 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kuhnen Mirian, Peres Marco A, Masiero Anelise V, Peres Karen G

Primary Institution: Universidade do Planalto Catarinense

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of toothache and its associated factors in adults of Lages, Southern Brazil?

Conclusion

The prevalence of toothache in adults of Lages is a significant dental public health issue.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of toothache was found to be 18.0%.
  • Females had a higher prevalence of toothache compared to males.
  • Low per capita income was associated with a higher prevalence of toothache.
  • Smokers reported a higher prevalence of toothache than non-smokers.
  • Using dental services in the last year was a protective factor against toothache.

Takeaway

Many adults in Lages, Brazil, have toothaches, and certain factors like being female or a smoker can make it more likely.

Methodology

A cross-sectional population-based study using a questionnaire was conducted with 2,022 adults aged 20 to 59 in Lages, Brazil.

Potential Biases

Potential biases include self-reported data and the exclusion of certain populations like those in prisons or nursing homes.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and results may not be generalizable to other populations.

Participant Demographics

The average age was 38 years, with a predominance of females (59.6%) and 62.0% identifying as white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.25

Confidence Interval

95% CI 16.0; 20.1

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6831-9-7

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