Itinerários terapêuticos de adultos negros periféricos em busca de saúde bucal na Pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract

This research analyzed the therapeutic itineraries of black adults, with dental needs, living in peripheral areas in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista–Ba, during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology, data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 14 participants, self-declared black or mixed race, according to the IBGE classification, in october 2022. Data analysis was based on understanding the narratives, using the methodology proposed by Fontanella (2011), in the interpretation of the content of the interviews, using the Bardin technique (2016) and in the similarity analysis, using the Iramuteq software. The inclusion criteria involved self-declared black individuals (brown and black), aged 18 or over, residing on the outskirts of the urban area of the municipality of Vitória da Conquista-Bahia, inserted in territories covered by the reference USF for at least 6 months and who had at least one dental treatment prior to the pandemic. Those who did not have the verbal capacity to respond to the survey were excluded from the study, as well as those who did not have 30 minutes or more available for the interview or who lived in areas not covered by the ESF. The categories analyzed include: (i) self-perception of oral health; (ii) complaint of toothache; (iii) self-medication; (iv) barriers to accessing oral health services and their mitigation during the COVID-19 period; (v) search for private care; (vi) relationship between race/color and access to health services. The participants, in sociodemographic terms, are characterized by low income and education, have links with the SUS and revealed that they sought dental care only when experiencing pain, resorting to self-medication. In relation to the barriers identified, interviewees reported difficulties in accessing the health service, attributed to bureaucratic issues, shortage of professionals and supplies, delays in scheduling appointments and difficulties in finding a place for care. The study highlights the possibility of underreporting or ignorance of discriminatory practices in the search for health services, highlighting gaps in access to dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides support for the formulation of more inclusive and effective health policies, aimed at the specific needs of this population, aiming for equity in access to oral health care.