Author:

• JANAÍNA ROCHA DE SOUSA ALMEIDA - Almeida, J.R.S. - FORTALEZA, CE - UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO CEARÁ - <drajanainarocha@hotmail.com>

Co-author(s):

• Carlos Henrique Alencar - Alencar, C. H. - UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO CEARÁ - <drajanainarocha@hotmail.com>
• Maria Eneide Leitão de Almeida - Almeida, M.E.L. - UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO CEARÁ - <eneideufc@hotmail.com>

Thematic Area:

Saúde Bucal

Abstract:

Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes physical, social and psychological impact. This study aimed to assess the self perception on oral health and need for treatment in leprosy patients in the city of Fortaleza-CE, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, where 100 leprosy patients were submitted to semi-structured questionnaire. The results of the bivariate analysis between need for treatment and socio-economic characteristics showed that only education presented statistical association (p=0.000). Association was verified between the classification of oral health and self perception of need for treatment (p=0.05). Concerning the self perception in oral health, 36% of the researched subjects classified their oral health as good. The self perception of leprosy patients on their oral health and need for treatment, along with a clinical evaluation, should serve as guide for the execution of public policies that aim to support a more effective dental treatment for these patients.

Keywords:

Leprosy Self Concept Oral Health

Content:

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