CRACK USERS’ ORAL HEALTH IN BRAZIL: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Objectives: Objectives: This study aims to describe the determinants and perceptions of oral health among crack users in Brazil.
Methods: Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data analyses and interpretations. The quantitative method, a cross-sectional study based on primary data from the Brazilian National Survey on Crack Use. The sample was 7381 users of crack and/or similar drugs (base paste, oxy, merla). The variables included sociodemographic factors, drug use, health status, access to health services and events involving the criminal justice system. The outcomes were self-perception of oral health and self-reporting of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gingiva. The qualitative method used a focus group and content analysis to collect and analyze data, using as theoretical reference the Ottawa Charter. The intentional sample consisted of 12 individuals from a drug recovery clinic in southern Brazil.
Results: Results: Lower self-perception of oral health and higher prevalence of problems affecting the mouth, teeth, and gingiva were found in users who had a lower level of education, used drugs daily, had worse self-perception of physical health, did not receive health care and regularly used alcohol and/or tobacco. The results showed a relationship between drug use and decline in oral health and emphasized the vulnerabilities of and inequalities suffered by users and the lack of health services directed toward them.
Conclusions: Conclusions: This study highlights the need to implement more equitable public policies for crack users. Oral health services should be emphasized as a gateway to the health system. Access to and maintenance of treatments should be increased, thereby improving this population’s quality of life with regard to their individual needs and sociocultural particularities.
Conclusions: This study highlights the need to implement more equitable public policies for crack users. Oral health services should be emphasized as a gateway to the health system. Access to and maintenance of treatments should be increased, thereby improving this population’s quality of life with regard to their individual needs and sociocultural particularities.