ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate, from the perspective of People Living with HIV/Aids (PLWHA), the use of and satisfaction with public oral health services within the Unified Health System (SUS) in Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazil). Structured questionnaires on socioeconomic profile and public oral health service use and satisfaction were administered to 241 PLWHA attending eight Specialized Healthcare Services (SAE) in HIV/Aids. The mean age was 37.8 ± 9.6 years, 161 (68.3%) were male, 79 (32.8%) had completed high school, and 59 (24.5%) reported earning ≤1 minimum wage (USD 225). Only 155 (64.3%) had been to the dentist in the preceding 2 years. Of these, 68 (28.2%) attended public services, but nearly half (45.6%) did not complete treatment due to lack of supplies, malfunctioning equipment or ongoing repair of facilities. On average, the service was graded 7.6 ± 2.5, and 50 PLWHA (73.6%) reported being satisfied/very satisfied. As for humanized care, 86.7% were satisfied/very satisfied. Patients referred by SAE or residing near the facility were significantly more likely to use public services. Despite the limited use of public oral health services, mainly due to insufficient access and ineffective appointment scheduling and referral procedures, the services were mostly graded as satisfactory.
KEYWORDS:
Oral health; Access to health services; HIV