Socioeconomic iniquities related to the rehabilitation of patients with cleft lip and palate in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18537/fouc.v04.n02.a03Keywords:
Socioeconomic factors, rehabilitation, public health, health policy, cleft palateAbstract
Introduction: Comprehensive rehabilitation of cleft lip and palate (CLP) involves complex dental treatments; however, access to these interventions may be determined not only by clinical indications but also by social determinants. Aim: To evaluate socioeconomic inequalities related to the rehabilitation of patients with cleft lip and palate in Brazil. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional observational epidemiological study of 40 patient records from the Craniofacial Anomalies Rehabilitation Hospital of the University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP) between December 2012 and December 2013. Two groups were observed: patients who completed rehabilitation through orthognathic surgery (OS, n = 20) and patients treated with overlay prostheses (OV, n = 20). Medical records were analyzed to collect data on gender, age, age at first hospital visit, educational level, and socioeconomic status. The Mann-Whitney test was applied. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p = 0.024) in socioeconomic status, with the OV group presenting a more unfavorable situation than the CO group. This compromised the outcome of rehabilitation and increased the burden on the Unified Health System (SUS). Conclusions: The results confirm that unfavorable socioeconomic status is associated with delayed access and less satisfactory rehabilitation outcomes in patients with cleft lip and palate, contributing to evidence of persistent inequalities in the public health system and reinforcing the urgency of intersectoral policies that ensure equity in access to specialized care.
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