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Publication
O impacto dos fatores socioambientais na saúde oral das crianças em África
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Abstract(s)
A saúde oral é uma componente fundamental da saúde geral e do bem-estar, sendo que as disparidades refletem frequentemente desigualdades mais amplas. Na África, onde as crianças são desproporcionalmente afetadas por doenças orais, essas disparidades são influenciadas por uma interação complexa de fatores socioambientais. De facto, cerca de 44% da população da região africana sofre de doenças orais, que afetam as pessoas desde o início da vida até à velhice. A crescente carga de doenças orais, como cáries dentárias, doenças gengivais e perda de dentes, impacta desproporcionalmente grupos marginalizados, refletindo desigualdades mais amplas no acesso aos serviços de saúde. Esta revisão narrativa tem como objetivo dissecar estes fatores, focando o seu impacto na saúde oral das crianças africanas e as disparidades observadas neste grupo demográfico.
As questões de saúde oral representam um desafio significativo para a saúde global, com as doenças orais a figurarem entre os problemas de saúde mais comuns em todo o mundo. Nas populações africanas em rápida expansão, estas preocupações são cada vez mais pronunciadas. As disparidades socioeconómicas, manifestadas através do acesso diferenciado aos recursos de saúde e educação, juntamente com variáveis ambientais como a pureza da água e as condições sanitárias, têm sido repetidamente associadas aos resultados de saúde oral. Agravados pela insuficiente infraestrutura comunitária, esses fatores destacam a necessidade urgente de abordagens holísticas de saúde pública que transcendam meros fatores biológicos.
As práticas culturais e crenças sobre saúde oral, muitas vezes transmitidas através de gerações, também influenciam significativamente os comportamentos e atitudes em saúde oral, contribuindo para as disparidades observadas. Além disso, os efeitos das alterações climáticas nas condições ambientais ameaçam indiretamente a saúde oral, afetando as condições de vida e a disponibilidade de recursos essenciais para a manutenção de uma boa higiene oral.
Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being, and disparities often reflect broader inequalities. In Africa, where children are disproportionately affected by oral diseases, these disparities are influenced by a complex interaction of socio-environmental factors. Indeed, about 44% of the population in the African region suffers from oral diseases, which affect people from early life to old age. The growing burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries, gum diseases, and tooth loss, disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, reflecting wider inequalities in access to health services. This narrative review aims to dissect these factors, focusing on their impact on the oral health of African children and the disparities observed in this demographic group. Oral health issues pose a significant challenge to global health, with oral diseases among the most common health problems worldwide. In rapidly expanding African populations, these concerns are increasingly pronounced. Socioeconomic disparities, manifested through differentiated access to health and educational resources, along with environmental variables such as water purity and sanitation conditions, have been repeatedly linked to oral health outcomes. Exacerbated by insufficient community infrastructure, these factors highlight the urgent need for holistic public health approaches that transcend mere biological factors. Cultural practices and beliefs about oral health, often transmitted across generations, also significantly influence oral health behaviors and attitudes, contributing to the observed disparities. Additionally, the effects of climate change on environmental conditions indirectly threaten oral health, impacting living conditions and the availability of essential resources for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being, and disparities often reflect broader inequalities. In Africa, where children are disproportionately affected by oral diseases, these disparities are influenced by a complex interaction of socio-environmental factors. Indeed, about 44% of the population in the African region suffers from oral diseases, which affect people from early life to old age. The growing burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries, gum diseases, and tooth loss, disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, reflecting wider inequalities in access to health services. This narrative review aims to dissect these factors, focusing on their impact on the oral health of African children and the disparities observed in this demographic group. Oral health issues pose a significant challenge to global health, with oral diseases among the most common health problems worldwide. In rapidly expanding African populations, these concerns are increasingly pronounced. Socioeconomic disparities, manifested through differentiated access to health and educational resources, along with environmental variables such as water purity and sanitation conditions, have been repeatedly linked to oral health outcomes. Exacerbated by insufficient community infrastructure, these factors highlight the urgent need for holistic public health approaches that transcend mere biological factors. Cultural practices and beliefs about oral health, often transmitted across generations, also significantly influence oral health behaviors and attitudes, contributing to the observed disparities. Additionally, the effects of climate change on environmental conditions indirectly threaten oral health, impacting living conditions and the availability of essential resources for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Description
Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre no Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz
Keywords
Saúde bucal Crianças África Fatores socioambientais