ORAL CHANGES AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS OF THE GYPSY POPULATION OF SOUSA – PB: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

The Roma population is characterized as nomadic and has been invisible in world and Brazilian society from ancient times to the present. This group lives in conditions of social and health vulnerability in Brazilian territory, which reflects on the quality of life of these individuals. The objective of the present study was to verify the prevalence of oral changes and sociodemographic factors in the Roma population of Sousa-PB. This cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample (N=41), was conducted with children/adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals aged between 11 and 69 years. A pre-structured questionnaire containing information about sociodemographic factors and access to health services was applied. A clinical oral examination was carried out to verify the presence/absence of dental caries, dental trauma, malocclusion, and enamel changes. Descriptive analyses of the data were carried out. Out of a total of 41 participants, dental caries was present in 70.7% (n=29), 39.0% (n=16) had lost at least 1 tooth, 87.8% (n=36) lived with a monthly family income of up to 2 minimum wages, and 68.3% (n=28) had an education level of less than 8 years of study. The Gypsies showed a high prevalence of dental caries, tooth loss, and socioeconomic vulnerability.