Abstract Objective: To verify and compare the sociodemographic data and caregivers’ self-perception of children’s oral health condition, hygiene habits and seek for dental services among family units of deaf and normalhearing children. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 parents/caregivers of 16 deaf and 48 normal-hearing children of 3-14 years old, belonging to reference centers in Belo Horizonte, southeastern Brazil. Deaf and hearing children were matched according to their sex and age. Sociodemographic characteristics of the family units and self-report of oral health conditions and care were assessed using a structured questionnaire, including information regarding seeking pediatric dental services. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed (p<0.05). Results: Most individuals in the sample were mothers (84.4%). Low family income (p=0.024) and higher education level of guardians (p=0.018) were associated with families of hearing children. The report of clinical treatment or toothache as the main reason for the children’s last dental appointment was associated with families of deaf children (p=0.047). Conclusion: Based on caregivers’ reports, hearing-impaired children demonstrated greater vulnerability to present dental pain or clinical treatment as the main reasons for their last access to dental appointments.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the difference of socioeconomic factors among mothers of preterm and full-term infants. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was developed with 250 mothers of children aged three to five years. The sample was divided into two groups: 125 mothers of preterm infants from the referral center of a public hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil and 125 mothers of children born full-term at a daycare center within the same city. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socioeconomic data and type of breastfeeding. To verify if there was association between the dependent variable gestational age at birth and the independent variables, the chi-square test was used. A final model with multiple Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratio values for each independent variable was developed. Results: The final multiple regression model showed that mothers that have a low monthly income of up to USD 450.28 (PR = 1.979, 95% CI = 1.082-3.620), used drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol during their pregnancy (PR = 4.095, 95% CI = 2.422-6.921), and did not breastfeed (PR = 2.294, 95% CI = 1.205-4.369) were more likely to give birth to preterm infants. Conclusion: Low monthly family income, use of drugs, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy and absence of breastfeeding were more frequent on mothers of preterm infants.

Resumo A imaturidade no nascimento para pretermos pode os predispor a dificuldades de sucção. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar se o uso de chupeta está associado ao nascimento prematuro e ao tipo de alimentação infantil. Este estudo transversal comparativo foi realizado em Belo Horizonte, Brasil e avaliou 250 crianças de 3 a 5 anos. A amostra foi composta por dois grupos: o grupo de crianças nascidas a termo (n = 125) que foi selecionado em uma creche e o grupo de crianças pré-termo (125) que foi contatado em um hospital universitário público vinculado a um projeto de cuidados pré-termo desde o nascimento até os sete anos de idade. Para coletar dados, um questionário pretextado sobre informações da idade gestacional, desenvolvimento infantil, alimentação infantil e hábitos de sucção não nutritiva foram utilizados para ambos os grupos. Análises bivariada e Regressão de Poisson multivariada foram utilizadas para a análise estatística. O uso de chupeta foi mais prevalente no grupo pré-termo (RP = 1,20, IC95% = 1,02-1,42), que usou a mamadeira (RP = 1,38; IC95% = 1,15-1,64) e foram amamentados ao seio por menos de seis meses (RP = 1,19, 95% IC = 1,01-1,41). A maioria das crianças amamentadas ao seio nasceram a termo (RP = 1,14, 95% IC = 1,04-1,20) e com renda familiar mensal maior que USD 450,28 (RP = 1,10, 95% IC = 1,01-1,20). Neste estudo, o uso de chupeta foi mais prevalente entre os prematuros e associado com a amamentação ao seio por menos de seis meses e uso de mamadeira. A renda familiar mensal associou-se a uma prevalência de prática da amamentação ao seio.

Abstract The immaturity of born to preterm infants may predispose to sucking difficulties. This research aimed to evaluate if pacifier use is associated with preterm birth and influenced in type of infant feeding. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and evaluated 250 children aged 3 to 5 years. As a sample, two groups were established: the normal term children group (n=125) was selected at a day-care centre and the group of preterm children (125) was identified at a public university hospital with a preterm care project from birth to seven years of age. To collect data, a pre-tested questionnaire regarding information on gestational age, infant development, infant feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits was used for both groups. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression was used for the statistical analysis. Pacifier use was more prevalent in the preterm group (PR=1.20, 95% CI=1.02-1.42) who used the bottle (PR=1.38, 95% CI=1.15-1.64) and were breastfed for less than six months (PR=1.19, 95% CI=1.01-1.41). The majority of breastfed infants were of normal term birth (PR=1.14, 95% CI=1.04-1.20) and had monthly family income greater than USD 450.28 (RP= 1.10, 95% CI=1.01-1.20). In this study, pacifier use was more prevalent among preterm infants and associated with less than six months of breastfeeding and used of bottle. Monthly family income was associated with a prevalence of breastfeeding.