Dental Service Utilization, Dental Health Production and Equity in Dental Care: the Finnish Experience

This thesis is grounded on four articles. Article I generally examines the factors affecting dental service utilization. Article II studies the factors associated with sector-specific utilization among young adults entitled to age-based subsidized dental care. Article III explores the determinants of dental ill-health as measured by the occurrence of caries and the relationship between dental ill-health and dental care use. Article IV measures and explains income-related inequality in utilization. Data employed were from the 1996 Finnish Health Care Survey (I, II, IV) and the 1997 follow-up study included in the longitudinal study of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort (III). Utilization is considered as a multi-stage decision-making process and measured as the number of visits to the dentist. Modified count data models and concentration and horizontal equity indices were applied. Dentist s recall appeared very efficient at stimulating individuals to seek care. Dental pain, recall, and the low number of missing teeth positively affected utilization. Public subvention for dental care did not seem to statistically increase utilization. Among young adults, a perception of insufficient public service availability and recall were positively associated with the choice of a private dentist, whereas income and dentist density were positively associated with the number of visits to private dentists. Among cohort females, factors increasing caries were body mass index and intake of alcohol, sugar, and soft drinks and those reducing caries were birth weight and adolescent school achievement. Among cohort males, caries was positively related to the metropolitan residence and negatively related to healthy diet and education. Smoking increased caries, whereas regular teeth brushing, regular dental attendance and dental care use decreased caries. We found equity in young adults utilization but pro-rich inequity in the total number of visits to all dentists and in the probability of visiting a dentist for the whole sample. We observed inequity in the total number of visits to the dentist and in the probability of visiting a dentist, being pro-poor for public care but pro-rich for private care. The findings suggest that to enhance equal access to and use of dental care across population and income groups, attention should focus on supply factors and incentives to encourage people to contact dentists more often. Lowering co-payments and service fees and improving public availability would likely increase service use in both sectors. To attain favorable oral health, appropriate policies aimed at improving dental health education and reducing the detrimental effects of common risk factors on dental health should be strengthened. Providing equal access with respect to need for all people ought to take account of the segmentation of the service system, with its two parallel delivery systems and different supplier incentives to patients and dentists.

AN EMPIRICAL ESTIMATION OF MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL INPUTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY PHYSICAL HEALTH STATUS

The purpose of this study was to examine, in the context of an economic model of health production, the relationship between inputs (health influencing activities) and fitness.^ Primary data were collected from 204 employees of a large insurance company at the time of their enrollment in an industrially-based health promotion program. The inputs of production included medical care use, exercise, smoking, drinking, eating, coronary disease history, and obesity. The variables of age, gender and education known to affect the production process were also examined. Two estimates of fitness were used; self-report and a physiologic estimate based on exercise treadmill performance. Ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares regression analyses were used to estimate the fitness production functions.^ In the production of self-reported fitness status the coefficients for the exercise, smoking, eating, and drinking production inputs, and the control variable of gender were statistically significant and possessed theoretically correct signs. In the production of physiologic fitness exercise, smoking and gender were statistically significant. Exercise and gender were theoretically consistent while smoking was not. Results are compared with previous analyses of health production. ^

Socioeconomic status and health outcomes in a developing country

Although the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health is well documented for developed countries, less evidence has been presented for developing countries. The aim of this paper is to analyse this relationship at the household level for Fiji, a developing country in the South Pacific, using original household survey data. To allow for the endogeneity of SES status in the household health production function, we utilize a simultaneous equation approach where estimates are achieved by full information maximum likelihood. By restricting our sample to one, relatively small island, and including area and district hospital effects, physical geography effects are unpacked from income effects. We measure SES, as permanent income which is constructed using principal components analysis. An alternative specification considers transitory household income. We find that a 1% increase in wealth (our measure of permanent income) would lead to a 15% decrease in the probability of an incapacitating illness occurring intra-household. Although the presence of a strong relationship indicates that relatively small improvements in SES status can significantly improve health at the household level, it is argued that the design of appropriate policy would also require an understanding of the various mechanisms through which the relationship operates.

An economic approach towards estimating health impacts of major transport investments and transport policies: A case study of transport emission abatement policy

The PhD thesis developed an economic model as an integral part of the current Health Impact Assessment (HIA) framework. Based on a Health Production Function approach, the model showed how to estimate economic benefits of positive health gains generated by transport investment programs and transport policies. Using Australian mortality and morbidity statistics and applying econometric analysis, the case study quantified health benefits induced by transport emission abatement policies in dollar terms for the Australian households. Finally, the thesis demonstrated transferability of the economic model through two example case studies, establishing a wider application capacity of the model.

Physical Stature Decline and the Health Status of the Elderly Population in England

Few research papers in economics have examined the extent, causes or consequences of physical stature decline in aging populations. Using repeated observations on objectively measured data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we document that reduction in height is an important phenomenon among respondents aged 50 and over. On average, physical stature decline occurs at an annual rate of between 0.08% and 0.10% for males, and 0.12% and 0.14% for females—which approximately translates into a 2cm to 4cm reduction in height over the life course. Since height is commonly used as a measure of long-run health, our results demonstrate that failing to take age-related height loss into account substantially overstates the health advantage of younger birth cohorts relative to their older counterparts. We also show that there is an absence of consistent predictors of physical stature decline at the individual level. However, we demonstrate how deteriorating health and reductions in height occur simultaneously. We document that declines in muscle mass and bone density are likely to be the mechanism through which these effects are operating. If this physical stature decline is determined by deteriorating health in adulthood, the coefficient on measured height when used as an input in a typical empirical health production function will be affected by reverse causality. While our analysis details the inherent difficulties associated with measuring height in older populations, we do not find that significant bias arises in typical empirical health production functions from the use of height which has not been adjusted for physical stature decline. Therefore, our results validate the use of height among the population aged over 50.

Mental health and the crisis: Evidence from share

Mental health constitutes a significant share of the global burden of disease. It is shaped to a great extent by socioeconomic factors and is vulnerable to external shocks. The recent financial crisis brought about stressors prone to trigger and aggravate mental illnesses. This project presents a micro analysis of the effect of the economic crisis on mental health in eleven European countries, through the estimation of individual health production functions accounting for socioeconomic controls and macroeconomic indicators. We find that mental health has deteriorated since 2007, even though the development of depression episodes is unchanged. Additionally, his variation can be partially attributed to economic recession and budgetary cuts in health spending.

The determinants of the health status in a developing country: results from the Colombian case

El artículo busca encontrar evidencia empírica de los determinantes de la salud, como una medición de capital salud en un país en desarrollo después de una profunda reforma en el sector salud. Siguiendo el modelo de Grossman (1972) y tomando factores institucionales, además de las variables individuales y socioeconómicas. Se usaron las encuestas de 1997 y 2000 donde se responde subjetivamente sobre el estado de salud y tipo de afiliación al sistema de salud. El proceso de estimación usado es un probit ordenado. Los resultados muestran una importante conexión entre las variables individuales, institucionales y socioeconómicas con el estado de salud. El efecto de tipo de acceso al sistema de salud presiona las inequidades en salud.

The effects of long (C20/22) and short (C18) chain omega-3 fatty acids on keel bone fractures, bone biomechanics, behavior, and egg production in free-range laying hens.

Keel fractures in the laying hen are the most critical animal welfare issue facing the egg production industry, particularly with the increased use of extensive systems in response to the 2012 EU directive banning conventional battery cages. The current study is aimed at assessing the effects of 2 omega-3 (n3) enhanced diets on bone health, production endpoints, and behavior in free-range laying hens. Data was collected from 2 experiments over 2 laying cycles, each of which compared a (n3) supplemented diet with a control diet. Experiment 1 employed a diet supplemented with a 60:40 fish oil-linseed mixture (n3:n6 to 1.35) compared with a control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11), whereas the n3 diet in Experiment 2 was supplemented with a 40:60 fish oil-linseed (n3:n6 to 0.77) compared to the control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11). The n3 enhanced diet of Experiment 1 had a higher n3:n6 ratio, and a greater proportion of n3 in the long chain (C20/22) form (0.41 LC:SC) than that of Experiment 2 (0.12 LC:SC). Although dietary treatment was successful in reducing the frequency of fractures by approximately 27% in Experiment 2, data from Experiment 1 indicated the diet actually induced a greater likelihood of fracture (odds ratio: 1.2) and had substantial production detriment. Reduced keel breakage during Experiment 2 could be related to changes in bone health as n3-supplemented birds demonstrated greater load at failure of the keel, and tibiae and humeri that were more flexible. These results support previous findings that n3-supplemented diets can reduce fracture likely by increasing bone strength, and that this can be achieved without detriment to production. However, our findings suggest diets with excessive quantities of n3, or very high levels of C20/22, may experience health and production detriments. Further research is needed to optimize the quantity and type of n3 in terms of bone health and production variables and investigate the potential associated mechanisms.

Das práticas espontâneas à receita de humanização: um estudo sobre a implementação da política nacional de humanização em um hospital do Rio de Janeiro

Este estudo contempla a implementação da Política Nacional de Humanização no Hospital da Lagoa, unidade hospitalar sob gestão do Governo Federal, situada no Município do Rio de Janeiro. A escolha do Hospital da Lagoa baseou-se na tradição dessa unidade em implantar ações e atividades inovadoras com vistas à melhoria da qualidade da assistência e, também, pela proximidade que a pesquisadora desenvolveu com a instituição ao longo de sua vida profissional. Foi privilegiada a perspectiva dos gestores da instituição quanto à experiência de Humanização, iniciada em 2003 e ainda em curso. De acordo com a política, entende-se por humanização a valorização dos diferentes sujeitos implicados no processo de produção de saúde: usuários, trabalhadores e gestores. Como estratégia de mudanças, a humanização orienta-se por três princípios: a transversalidade; a estreita vinculação entre a atenção e a gestão em saúde; e a autonomia e protagonismo dos sujeitos nos processos de trabalho. Em se tratando de um estudo de caso, a metodologia do trabalho observou a triangulação, combinando análise documental, observação participante e realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 17 gestores, de diversas categorias profissionais e diferentes níveis de chefia. A análise dos dados revelou a existência de muitos obstáculos a serem transpostos para a institucionalização da política. Entre estes, foram apontados pelos entrevistados: a fragilidade da política de humanização e a própria cultura organizacional instituída. Nesta, segundo os entrevistados, se localizam os entraves à gestão do trabalho: dificuldade na formação de equipes multiprofissionais, desconsideração com a saúde do trabalhador e inoperância do Colegiado de Gestão Participativa local. Embora tenham sido indicados aspectos favoráveis ao processo, ao final do trabalho de campo ainda não tinham sido implantados todos os dispositivos preconizados pela Política Nacional de Humanização. Ademais, os esforços para sua implementação passaram a concorrer com o a implantação de um programa de acreditação hospitalar, pactuado com o Ministério da Saúde.

Singularidades de gênero no cuidado psicossocial às usuárias de cocaína e crack: contribuições para a enfermagem

O consumo de cocaína e crack gera importantes repercussões para saúde. Em relação aos usuários destas drogas, há predomínio dos homens sobre as mulheres. Em virtude das mulheres serem o grupo minoritário, o cuidado de saúde mental nem sempre observa as especificidades do gênero feminino e suas vulnerabilidades no processo saúde-doença. Para investigar esta problemática, foi proposto o objeto de estudo "As singularidades do gênero feminino no cuidado psicossocial às usuárias de cocaína e crack". Delimitaram-se os seguintes objetivos: Analisar o cuidado psicossocial às mulheres usuárias de Crack e Cocaína e Discutir a abordagem das singularidades do gênero feminino neste cuidado. Adotou-se como referencial teórico da pesquisa a categoria Gênero. Para alcançar estes objetivos, optou-se por pesquisa qualitativa, que foi desenvolvida no único CAPS ad do município de Duque de Caxias, localizado na Baixada Fluminense do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os participantes da pesquisa foram profissionais de saúde que exercem o cuidado das mulheres usuárias de cocaína e crack. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se a triangulação de técnicas: a) observação sistemática nos espaços de cuidado coletivo; b) entrevistas semiestruturadas com os profissionais de saúde e c) análise documental dos prontuários das mulheres. A análise dos dados empíricos foi orientada pela Hermenêutica-Dialética. Foram analisados 113 prontuários das mulheres assistidas no CAPS ad. A maioria das mulheres estava na faixa etária de 20 a 34 anos, solteiras, mães com prole menor de idade, que viviam com os familiares, não tinham fonte de renda própria e envolvimento com a justiça. Quase a totalidade utilizava também outras drogas, como tabaco, maconha e álcool. Foram entrevistados 17 profissionais de saúde. As categorias da pesquisa foram: Concepções dos profissionais sobre o cuidado psicossocial: centrado na pessoa e centrado na doença; as questões do gênero feminino e as usuárias de crack e cocaína; a condição feminina e suas influências no cuidado psicossocial. As singularidades de gênero no cuidado psicossocial foram reveladas no comportamento e enfrentamento das mulheres frente ao uso de cocaína e crack, mas também nas estratégias de cuidado adotadas pelos profissionais. O cuidado psicossocial por vezes reforça os estereótipos de gênero e, por outra, estimula o exercício da autonomia feminina. Os profissionais apresentaram percepções determinadas pelas questões de gênero, atribuindo às mulheres características distintivas, como a "fragilidade" e a dependência emocional, que interferem nas vivências femininas acerca do uso de cocaína e crack. A prostituição surgiu como uma consequência da vulnerabilidade do gênero feminino no contexto de consumo de drogas. Recomenda-se a implementação de ações programáticas direcionadas para as singularidades da clientela feminina e a discussão das iniquidades de gênero no âmbito da formação profissional, da assistência e da pesquisa para superar a práxis reducionista e a naturalização das diferenças e da subalternidade feminina nestes espaços de produção de saúde. Como integrante da equipe de saúde, enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem necessitam estar sensibilizados para as questões de gênero e terem uma maior participação no cuidado individual e coletivo desta clientela.

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

Dengue no Brasil: abordagem geográfica na escala nacional

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

O dispositivo intercessor como meio de superação dialética da medicalização da saúde mental

Pós-graduação em Psicologia - FCLAS