Characterization of patients that go to the family doctor with dental problems and their health records in primary care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i3.14009Keywords:
Stomatognathic diseases, Family practice, Clinical codingAbstract
Introduction: Dental problems are very prevalent and are related to common comorbidities. This is particularly important in general and family medicine, as it addresses all kinds of patients and frequently represents their first contact with the health system.
Purposes: We aimed to characterize the population of patients with dental problems who used primary care units, as well as the health records and classification of these problems.
Methods: On December 31st, 2021, we carried out an observational cross-sectional study of patients from the Community Health Centers of Baixo Mondego with active ICPC-2 classifications of dental problems. Those patients were analyzed according to their sociodemographic features, type of health unit of registration, dental voucher utilization, and comorbidities.
Results: We obtained a sample of 5,335 patients, 70.0% from Family Health Units, 29.5% from Personalized Health Care Units and 0.5% not registered in any health unit. The biggest prevalence of dental problems was observed in Condeixa-a-Nova (2.1%). Most patients were female (57.3%), and mainly adults (54.0%). In absolute terms, females had more dental vouchers issued and unused, and in relative terms, males used fewer dental vouchers. Young people received most dental vouchers. The ICPC-2 chapter most associated with dental pathology was the musculoskeletal system, followed by endocrine, metabolic, and nutritional. Lipid disorder, depressive disorder, and overweight were the most prevalent comorbidities. Geographical differences in the prevalence of dental problems classified can be due to social issues and differences in medical teams. The bigger frequency in females can mean they worry more about oral health. The low prevalence of the elderly, a risk group possibly underdiagnosed, imposes the need for corrective measures.
Conclusions: Dental pathology in primary healthcare in the Baixo Mondego region lacks attention, especially on its classification as a health problem.
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