Self-reported oral health of a quilombola population in the semi-arid region of Piauí

The needy epidemiology of oral health in quilombola populations has been demonstrated by different researches, with the intention that studies be carried in order to identify and determine situations that are liable to be resolved through the help of social and health policies. Objective. To know the perception of oral health regarding oral discomfort and to compare it with general health in a quilombola population in the semi-arid region of Piauí. Methodology. Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. From the adult and elderly population, a sample was calculated considering a margin of error of 5% and 90% of reliability, obtaining a total of 120 people as a minimum sample. Results. Inhabitants of the Canabrava, Tronco and Custaneiras quilombola communities participated - whose age ranged from 21 to 81 years old, SD±16.0. There is a predominance of: married (67.5%), female (60.8%) small farmers (90%), non-retired (71.7%), income of up to 01 (one) minimum wage (58.3%), and incomplete primary school (42.5%). Oral discomfort had a higher percentage due to the variable -Feels dry mouth (30.8%). There was a significant association (p= 0.031) between the perception of general health (excellent, reasonable and poor) and having oral health problems. Conclusion. The association between the perception of general health and having oral health problems reinforces the fact that the poor condition of oral health denotes a close relationship with the living conditions of this society, whether assisted or not by the government.