Levantamentos epidemiológicos em saúde bucal: análise da metodologia proposta pela Organização Mundial da Saúde

Epidemiological surveys are important for obtaining information on the prevalence and etiology of mouth diseases, since the data collected permit health actions to be planned, performed, and assessed. Methodological uniformity is necessary, however, to maintain reproductibility, validity, and reliability, and to allow national and international comparisons. The initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) as an advisor in ongoing surveys has been extremely useful, stimulating standardization in all countries. In 1991, a Portuguese version of the 1987 third edition of Oral Health Surveys - basic methods, an instruction manual for performing epidemiological surveys, was published and became a reference for many parts of Brazil and the World. The present analysis found conflicting points in relation to the sample size, calibration of the examiners, and criteria for evaluating oral health and treatment needs. In conclusion, due to the dynamic characteristics of scientific knowledge and, considering the regional differences in relation to the development of oral diseases, we recommend that proposals for standardizing surveys be checked periodically. Other important issues may have not been detected in this analysis, urging a thorough discussion within the dentistry community as a whole.

Levantamentos epidemiológicos em saúde bucal: análise da metodologia proposta pela Organização Mundial da Saúde

Epidemiological surveys are important for obtaining information on the prevalence and etiology of mouth diseases, since the data collected permit health actions to be planned, performed, and assessed. Methodological uniformity is necessary, however, to maintain reproductibility, validity, and reliability, and to allow national and international comparisons. The initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) as an advisor in ongoing surveys has been extremely useful, stimulating standardization in all countries. In 1991, a Portuguese version of the 1987 third edition of Oral Health Surveys - basic methods, an instruction manual for performing epidemiological surveys, was published and became a reference for many parts of Brazil and the World. The present analysis found conflicting points in relation to the sample size, calibration of the examiners, and criteria for evaluating oral health and treatment needs. In conclusion, due to the dynamic characteristics of scientific knowledge and, considering the regional differences in relation to the development of oral diseases, we recommend that proposals for standardizing surveys be checked periodically. Other important issues may have not been detected in this analysis, urging a thorough discussion within the dentistry community as a whole.

Saúde bucal de idosos institucionalizados no Brasil

O propósito dessa investigação foi o de estudar as situações objetivas e de auto-percepção em saúde bucal de idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência de Idosos (ILPIS) distribuídos em 11 municípios pertencentes as 5 regiões geográficas do Brasil. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo seccional através de um censo com idosos institucionalizados no Brasil. Foram avaliados 1192 indivíduos, residentes em 36 Instituições de Longa Permanência de Idosos (ILPIS), distribuídas em 11 municípios. Deste universo, 587 (49,2%) responderam ao GOHAI. Foi aplicado questionário com questões subjetivas e sobre o comportamento em saúde bucal, além de levantamento epidemiológico seguindo critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Foram realizados os testes de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Exato de Fisher, Qui-quadrado e Regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: A idade média foi de 74,98 (+ 9,5). Destes, 51,4% (302) eram do sexo masculino e 152 (25,9) apresentavam alguma dependência. A média do CPOD foi de 28,8 (+ 5,5) e 54,5% (320) dos idosos eram edêntulos. Constatouse que 54,2% (318) e 74,1% (435) não usam nenhum tipo de prótese superior e inferior, respectivamente. O CPI e PIP mostraram que 64,4% (378) apresentaram todos os sextantes excluídos. O GOHAI mostrou que 75% (440) dos indivíduos apresentava auto-percepção positiva em saúde bucal. As variáveis última visita ao dentista (RP ajust=4,058; IC=1,526-10,789), presença de problemas gengivais (RP ajust=5,703; IC=1,754-18,544) e opinião sobre os dentes, as gengivas ou prótese (RP ajust=19,514; IC=5,075-75,041) permaneceram significativas no modelo após regressão logística múltipla. Conclusões: Observou-se predomínio da auto-percepção positiva em saúde bucal em detrimento das precárias condições bucais. Assim, para a população institucionalizada, o presente estudo recomenda a aplicação de levantamentos epidemiológicos e de auto-percepção para assegurar adequado planejamento nas ações de saúde bucal

A mediação como instrumento concretizador do direito fundamental à saúde: uma alternativa à judicialização de conflitos Natal 2013

In Brazil, the 1946 Constitution enshrined the right to health, having it defined as the possession of the best state of health that the individual can achieve. Already the Federal Constitution of 1988 lifted that right to the status of fundamental social right, which transcends the effectiveness and cure of the disease is based on the joint liability of public entities for the provision of a quality service, efficient and prioritize human dignity and comprehensive evaluation of patients. According to the World Health Organization, the definition of health, first characterized as the mere absence of disease, has become recognized as the need to search for preventive mechanisms to ensure the welfare and dignity of the population. Garantista this context, the growing seem lawsuits that deal with the implementation of public policies, especially in the area of the right to health, the omission of which the Government can result in the risk of death. Hence the concern of law professionals about whether or not the intervention of the judiciary in cases that deal with providing material benefits of health care. It claims to break the principle of separation of powers, disobedience to the principle of equality and the impossibility of judicial intervention in the formulation of public policy to try and exclude the liability of public entities. In contrast, the judiciary has repeatedly guardianships granted injunctions or merit determining the supply of materials indicated by the medical benefits that accompany the treatment of patients who resort to a remedy. In this context, mediation, object of study and resolution presented in this work, is presented as an instrument conciliator between the reserve clause and the right to financially possible existential minimum, as it seeks to serve all through rationalization of health services , avoidance of negativistic influence of the pharmaceutical industry, with prioritizing the welfare of the individual and the quality of relationships. This is alternative way to judicialization that in addition to encouraging and developing active citizen participation in public policy formulation also allows the manager to public knowledge of community needs. It is in this sense that affirms and defends the right to health is no longer the mere provision of medical care and prescription drugs, but a dialogue conscious existential minimum to guarantee a dignified life

Razão e Fé: estudo do grupo de oração como prática complementar na promoção à saúde

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given special attention to therapeutic procedures other than those practiced in conventional therapy, including homeopathy, phytotherapy, spiritual therapies and prayers, making possible the transition from a mere medicalizating model to a holistic view of the human being. This trend, earmarked in 1978 at the Alma-Ata Conference, questions the ability of technological and specialized medicine to solve the health problems of humankind. In Brazil, the onset of the Brazilian unified health system in 1988, introduced changes in the population s health care model where, within the scope of basic care, emphasis has been given to the Family Health Program since 1994. In this scenery, there is a broad area of complementary practices used in promoting health and preventing and treating diseases to support an understanding of the habits and beliefs underpinning popular practices. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perception users participating in the Peace and Balance group of the Family Health Unit of Nova Cidade, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, started in 1999, have of the relationship between the experience of prayer and the changes that may have taken place in their lives after joining the group. It is a case study of descriptive nature and qualitative approach. The data were collected during focus group interviews between January and February 2007, using as tools a questionnaire to describe the research participants and a discussion outline. The theoretical support approached the following: religion and the evolution of thought; complementary health practices; and religion as a complementary health practice. Those interviewed reported, as results of such experience, a reduction in stress and depression, an increase in socialization and self-esteem, improved family interaction, comfort, safety, assurance, improved blood pressure levels and a decrease in the use of antihypertension medication and psychopharmacs. Although most professionals do not consider attention to the religious and spiritual aspects an effective therapeutical complement in health care, its understanding and practice may democratize knowledge and relationships, out of which they can learn how to make health production more effective, strengthening assurance and confidence, and developing and expanding soft technologies aimed at health care promotion and wholeness

Excesso de peso em região do nordeste brasileiro: contraste entre escolares de rede pública e privada de ensino

The prevalence of obesity has been increased in the last three decades. It is already considered as epidemic by the World Health Organization and reaches around 300 million people worldwide. The weight gain in all ages is related to a sedentary way of life and hyper caloric food ingestion at the modern society. Obesity is a chronic disease and leads to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of weight excess among student in Natal schools and to analyze its association with age, gender, school category and geographic localization in city zones. This was a transversal study which enrolled 1927 children. 1084 of these were between 6 and 8 years-old (group 1) and 843 were 9 to 10 years-old (group 2). 895 of the total children studied in private schools and 1032 studied in public schools. 33,6% of the students had body mass index equal or above the 85th percentile and were considered as having weight excess. There was no statistical difference in this prevalence considering neither gender nor age. The weight excess prevalence in private schools was 54,5% and in public ones was 15,6% (p<0,01; OR=6,49). Weight excess was also more prevalent in the south and east city zones (41,3%) which have better quality of life index than in the north and west zones (28,4%) (p<0,01). In conclusion, the weight excess prevalence among students is found to be high in Natal and programs of intervention and prevention of obesity are necessary. The higher prevalence in private schools as in the wealthier city zones reflects the link between obesity and high socioeconomic level found in countries in developing. This was an interdisciplinary work with participation of epidemiology, child nutrition and pediatric endocrinology following the recommendations and principles of the Post graduation Program in Health Sciences of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Interação competitiva do zinco e ferro após administração oral e venosa de zinco em crianças eutróficas

The aim of this study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of zinc in serum iron profile of children aged 6-9 years in relation to nutritional status and dietary intake. The study participants were 11 children regardless of sex, aged 6-9 years. They were selected from three public schools of the city of Natal, Brazil. Body mass index was used to assess nutritional status. In order to determine the patterns of childhood growth and ideal weight we used the standards of the World Health Organization. The dietary intake assessment was based on information from a three-day prospective food survey. The variables were energy intake, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, iron and zinc. All children underwent an intravenous administration of zinc (IVAZn) before and after oral administration of zinc (OAZn) (5 mg Zn / day) for three months. We measured serum iron, hematocrit, hemoglobin and total protein, before and after the use of oral zinc. The analysis of hematocrit, hemoglobin and total protein was performed using standard methods of clinical laboratory. Zinc levels and serum iron were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The project was evaluated and approved by the Ethics in Research Committee of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Results: All children had normal weight. The consumption of energy, fat, fiber, calcium and iron were below recommended levels. However, the levels of protein and carbohydrates were high. Protein and zinc increased significantly after OAZn. Carbohydrate and protein were elevated in the blood. After OAZn, both protein and zinc increased, being statistically significant. Conclusion: The potential inhibitory effect of physiological or pharmacological doses of zinc on the profile of serum iron was observed in children with healthy weight and aged between 6 and 9 years. This negative effect of zinc did not affect the levels of hematocrit or hemoglobin, and therefore did not cause anemia. This was a multidisciplinary study, involving researchers from medicine, nutrition and pharmacy. This met the requirements of multidisciplinarity of the Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte.

Impacto da atividade física na qualidade de vida em mulheres de meia idade: estudo de base populacional

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Qualidade de vida na perspectiva de idosos institucionalizados no Município de Natal - RN

A descriptive and exploratory Study, quantitative in nature, with the aim to assess the Quality of Life (QL) of the elderly leaving in a Long Residence Institution (LRI) according to their own perception. It was conducted in six Public Institutions of Long Residence for Seniors, in the municipality of Natal - RN, in the period of July to August 2007. The data was collected using two structured interview forms: the first, containing questions about socio-demographic aspects and the second - the WHOQUOL-OLD, prepared by the World Health Organization to assess elderly s quality of life. The reference population was 266 old persons, and a random sample, of 43, being 28 women and 15 men, who account for 30%. The results indicated there is a predominance of older women (65.1%) and the average age is 76.6 years; the predominant religion is the Catholic - 44.2% and, 32.6% are unmarried without children. As for schooling and precedence, 41.9% are illiterate and 67.4% come from the rural area. The time of residency in the institution goes between 1 to 5 years for 69.8% of the elderly, 37.2% of them residing in the institution for not having another option. Most elderly informed using medicines. 51.3% said they are taking anti-hypertensive. As for the other aspects of QL: sensory aspects, autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation, death and dying and intimacy, the WHOQOL-OLD, showed an average total score of 52.9% (scale of 0 to 100), with a tendency to neutrality, denoting that the elderly, in this study, evaluated their QL as neither satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Of all the facets of the instrument of QL, the sensory facet secured the highest average scores (68,1%), showing that the elderly are "happy" in the situation in which they find themselves, not showing significant disabilities. The facet of autonomy, which refers to the independence and the ability to make decisions on their own life, received the lowest average scores (40.7%), showing the dissatisfaction of the elderly on this aspect. The evaluation of the elderly on other facets were: social participation (48.2%); activities past, present and future (44.6%) and intimacy (50.6%), all perceived as neither unsatisfactory or satisfactory. On the item death and dying, the elderly people declared themselves satisfied, with average score of 65.5%. The analysis of the reliability of the WHOQOL-OLD by the Cronbach Alpha showed 0.57, considering the 24 items that cover the instrument, showing regular internal reliability of the instrument, in our reality. The result is probably due to differences between the regions south and east and the broader sociocultural diversity. We believe that the elderly in this study, tended to realize their QL as neutral, considering it as neither unsatisfactory or satisfactory, result likely related to the resignation with the destine, characterized, at the time, by the finitude of life, feeling very common among elderly, or perhaps, even for an accommodation, often accompanied by discouragement, present in the daily life of many of them

Qualidade de vida medida pelo "WHOQOL-bref": estudo comparativo de pacientes em hemodiálise e pós-transplante renal

Exploratory descriptive study, prospective with quantitative approach, performed in the nefrology outpatient service from the Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL), Natal/RN, aiming to identify aspects that concern Quality of Life (QOL) on transplanted and hemodialysis patients, as measured by WHOQOL-bref and describe the aspects that differentiate QL between the two groups as measured by the same instrument. The population was of 62 renal patients in hemodialysis and 58 transplantd, with data collected from february to march 2006. The instrument used was WHOQOL-bref, translated to and validated for Portuguese by the multicentric group of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Brazil. The results show predominance of the masculine gender both in the post-transplant group (55,17%), as well as in the hemodialysis group (51,61%); the age strip of 28 to 43 prevailed, among which were 53,45% transplanted and 48,99% hemodialysis patients; 79,93% of the hemodialysis patients and 62,07% of the transplanted were provenient from ouside the capital of the state; from the hemodialysis population, 59,68% were married, while among the transplanted 48,28% were single; 58,06% of the hemodialisys patients had 1 to 3 children, while the majority of the transplanted, 44,83%, had no children; regarding scholarity level on both groups, there was a predominance of incomplete fundamental school, representing 62,9% of the hemodialysis patients and 46,6% of the transplanted; regarding work status, 98,39% of those in hemodialysis informed not to be working, and the same applied to the transplanted, with 75,86%; regarding treatment time, most patients of both populations were in the 1- to 4-year interval, of which were 62,9% of the hemodialisys patients and 53,45% of the transplanted. The analysis of WHOQOL-bref reliability through Crobach s Alpha coefficient had a value of 0,8816, demonstrating good internal consistency for the instrument. Regarding description of QOL tests, the average scores of the post-transplant were (Q-1) 18,14 e (Q-2) 18,69, and 12,3 (Q-1) and 11,29 (Q-2) for the group in hemodialisys. Regarding the aspects that differentiate QOL on the two groups observed through average scores from the Domains: Physical, 15,91 for the post-transplant group and 12,71 for the hemodialisys group; Psychological, 16,75 for the post-transplant group and 14,84 for the hemodialisys group; Social Relations, 17,79 on the post-transplant group and 16,58 on the hemodialisys group; Environment, 14,16 on the post-transplant group and 12,38 on the hemodialisys group. On every evaluated item, the post-transplant group achieved higher scores when compared to the hemodialisys group. The diference in QOL for both populations was significant on all items evaluated with a p<0,005

Clima e cultura de segurança do paciente em uma maternidade escola: percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem em terapia intensiva

Since the publication of the report "To Err is Human" by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) , which estimated that between 44.000 to 98.000 Americans die annually as a result of errors in health care, patient safety spent gaining prominence, emerging studies assess the safety culture by measuring the safety climate. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify safety culture perceived by nursing professionals working in the intensive care unit of a maternity school in Natal/RN through the Security Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). This was a descriptive study, cross-sectional and quantitative approach undertaken in the Intensive Care Unit Maternal and Neonatal a maternity school in Natal/RN. The project was submitted to and approved by Brazil Platform Zip/UFRN under number 309 540 and CAAE 16489713.7.0000.5537. It was used to collect data two instruments: a questionnaire in order to collect socio-demographic data of the subjects and the Questionário Atitudes de Segurança , a cultural adaptation to Portuguese of the instrument of the World Health Organization titled Safety Attitudes Questionnaire - (SAQ ) Short Form 2006. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively by the organization in electronic databases in Microsoft Excel 2010 spreadsheet and exported to statistical software for free access to be coded, tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study included a total of 50 nurses, 31 and 19 of the NICU Maternal ICU, predominantly female, mean age 35 years, median time of 10 years training and working in maternity, mostly, less than 05 anos. As a result, two articles were produced. The first refers to the first two domains of the instrument entitled "climate of teamwork" and "climate security" . The scores of the two areas were slightly higher in Maternal ICU compared to the NICU, but no sector has reached the ideal minimum score of 75: in the first domain Maternal ICU had an average of 74.77, with medians of 75 and 100, while Neonatal ICU reached an average of 69.61 with median also 75 and 100, while the second field means were 69.35 and 66.01 for Maternal and Neonatal ICUs respectively, with a median of 100 in the two sectors. The second article relates to the field "Perception Management Unit and Hospital", which 9 assessed the perception of management units and motherhood by professionals. In general, the items of the domain in question also obtained scores below the ideal minimum: 63.68 to 51.02 and maternal ICU for neonatal, featuring a clear separation between the management and the professionals who work in direct care. These findings indicate a warning sign for the institution and point to the need to implement actions aimed at patient safety

Avaliação da eficiência de filtros anaeróbios na remoção de coliformes fecais e ovos de helmintos

The technology of anaerobic reactors for sanitary wastewater treatment has been extensively developed in Brazil, and today it is practically consolidated. They present several advantages, such as low construction and operating costs, and low sludge production, the anaerobic reactors are an attractive alternative to minimize problematic lack of basic sanitation in urban areas, and also of the rural areas. The anaerobic filters have been widely used in Brazil. It produces an effluent with low concentration of organic matter and solids suspended, besides conserving the nutrients, therefore, it is good for use in irrigation, but the practice must be associated with knowledge of the pathogens presence. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of anaerobic filters in removal faecal coliforms and helminth eggs, and to verify if the effluent can be used for agricultural purposes, according to the World Organization of Health (WHO, 1989). The protocol used to enumerate helminths eggs was the modified Bailenger method, (Ayres and Mara, 1996) recommended by WHO for evaluation of raw effluent and treated effluent. The membrane filtration method was utilized to determine the concentrations of faecal coliforms. Three different systems of sewer treatment composed by anaerobic filters were analyzed. The results, in a general analysis, showed that all the researched systems reached a larger removal than 93% to helminth eggs, resulting in an effluent with smaller average than 1 egg/L. One of these systems, Sistema RN, reached a larger removal than 99%, confirming the good performance of the anaerobic filters in removal helminths eggs. Even with low concentrations of eggs in the influent, the filters were capable to remove this parameter efficiently. About faecal coliforms, it was observed for all the researched systems an effluent with 106 CFU/100mL. The high concentrations to faecal coliforms in the effluent just allow reuse for restricted irrigation, in agreement with the guidelines of WHO. Although the researched systems have not removed faecal coliforms efficiently, the results indicated a good efficiency of the anaerobic filters in removal helminth eggs

Estratégias para elaboração de um plano de segurança da água para abastecimento humano do município do Natal/RN

This research study deals with the production and distribution of drinking water with quality and safety in order to meet the needs of the Man. Points out the limitations of the methodology for assessing water quality in use today. Approaches the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for adoption, by the companies responsible for producing and distributing water, of assessment methodologies and risk management (HACCP), in order to ensure the quality and safety of water drinking. Suggests strategies for implementing the plan for water safety plan. Uses the process of water production, composed by Maxaranguape river basin, the water treatment plant and distribution system, which is part of the Plan for Expansion of the Supply System of Natal, as case study. The results, it was possible to devise strategies for implementation of the Water Safety Plan (WSP), which comprises the following steps: a) a preliminary stage. b) assessment system. c) process monitoring. d) management plan and e) validation and verification of the PSA. At each stage are included actions for its implementation. The implementation of the PSA shows a new type of water production, in which the fountain as a whole (watershed and point of capture), the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and distribution, shall compose the production process, over which to build quality and safety of the final product (drinking water)

Prevalência de doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP) e alterações sensoriais em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2: impacto da DAOP sobre a qualidade de vida, nível de atividade física e composição corporal

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affected approximately 171 million people in the world in the year 2000 as described by the World Health Organization (WHO). Because DM is a multisystem disease it can cause several complications especially those related to the cardiovascular system. The Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) of the lower limbs and the Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy (DDSP) can affect the DM patient causing consequences as the diabetic foot and eventually amputations. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAD and sensorial impairment in 73 type 2 DM (DM2) patients and also assess the impact of PAD on quality of life, level of physical activity and body composition. For clinical assessment it was used: the ankle-brachial index (ABI); quantitative sensorial test for tactile sensibility (ST), pain (SD), vibration (SV); Achilles tendon reflex (RA); quality of life questionnaire (SF-36); modified Baecke physical activity questionnaire and bioelectric impedance. Prevalence of PAD in the studied population was 13.7%. ABI was inversely correlated to age (p=0,03; rhô= -0,26), diabetes duration (p=0,02; rhô= -0,28) and blood pressure (p= 0,0007; rhô= -0,33). There were lower scores for physical health summary on the SF-36 in DM2 patients; however, the presence of PAD predominantly mild did not significantly impact quality of life, body composition or physical activity level assessed by questionnaire. Fourteen patients (19.2%) present bilateral and symmetrical alterations in two or more sensorial tests compatible to DPN diagnosis. Abnormalities in ST, SD and SV were present in 27.3%, 24.6% and 8.2%; respectively. There was association of results from ST abnormalities with RA and mainly with SD, suggesting the importance of 10g monofilament use in DM2 routine assessment. In conclusion, the prevalence of PAD in subclinical DM2 was slightly higher compared to the general population and in agreement to previously published data in DM patients. The PAD severity was predominantly mild and still without repercussion on quality of life and body composition. Our study demonstrated a significant prevalence of both PAD and DPN in DM2 without previous diagnosis of these complications and indicates the necessity of early preventive and therapeutic interventions for this population

Qualidade de vida, eficiência mastigatória e presença de disfunção temporomandibular em usuários de prótese parcial removível com arco dental curto inferior

Even nowadays there is in Brasil a large number of edentulous and a precarious financial condition of most of the population. In addition, World Health Organization aims for oral health, which consists on the maintenance of a natural dentition, functional and aesthetic composed of at least 20 teeth, without need of prosthetic intervention throughout life. From this and considering the lack of researches about the permanence of edentulous spaces in the oral cavity, and also avoiding overtreatment, this research has been proposed. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the effect of different lengths of the shortened lower dental arch in the presence or absence of a removable partial denture (RPD) on masticatory function, quality of life and occurrence of temporomandibular dysfunction. To achieve this goal, we compared the masticatory efficiency (colorimetric test), the oral comfort through the analysis of the impact of oral health in quality of life (OHIP-14), the presence of temporomandibular dysfunction (RDC/TMD) and the general quality of life (WHOQOL) of patients with shortened dental arches (SDA) (n=60), which is an arch with a reduction of teeth starting posteriorly, and patients with complete dental arch (Complete DA) (n = 34). The group of patients whit SDA was divided among PPR wears (PPD + SDA) (n = 17) and non-wears (n = 43). The population of this study consisted on patients who received or looked for treatment at the clinics of the Department of Dentistry of UFRN, from clinical analysis and records. The sample was chosen by convenience. For statistical analysis, it was a database in SPSS 17.0, followed by descriptive analysis with frequencies, absolute values, tests of central tendency and variability. The statistical tests used were chi-squared and analysis of variance as well as Tukey s post test, when applicable, all with a 95% confidence level. The results shown a prevalence of TMD of 47,1% among patients using PRP and 69,8% among those who didn t, but this result wasn t statistically significant. The mean of the results of masticatory efficiency, WHOQOL and OHIP didn t show association to the presence or absence of PPR and to the lower number of occlusal units of the patients (0, 1, 2 or more occlusal). The association only occurred among the different groups of SDA and the patients with complete dental arch. Taking into account the results, it could be observed that studied patients with low posterior support using lower PRP didn t have better masticatory efficiency, general quality of life, less impacts of their oral conditions in quality of life or not even less temporomandibular dysfunction or better masticatory efficiency when compared to those who didn t use the prosthesis