June 2007

Objective: To assess the prevalence, severity and distribution of dental caries and associated factors among young male adults from Florianopolis (Southern Brazil) and to compare these results with those from a previous study. Method: A cross-sectional study (n=414) was conducted among Brazilian Army subjects in 2003. Dental caries experience was recorded using the DMF-T Index (WHO, 1997). Non-clinical data were obtained through a questionnaire. The analyses included DMF-T descriptive statistics, calculation of the Gini coefficient to assess inequality in the distribution of caries and non-conditional multiple logistic regression, following a hierarchical approach. Results: The response rate was 95.6%. High values of intra- and inter-examiner agreement were achieved (Kappa > 0.83). Reductions of 18.6% in prevalence and 26.7% in caries severity were accompanied by an increase of 18.6% in dental caries inequality. Individuals with eight or less years of study (OR 8.1 : CI95% 1.9-34.7), raised by mothers with eight or less years of study (OR 2.9 : CI95% 1.7-5.0) were more likely to have dental caries. Subjects whose families earned less than six Brazilian minimum wages per month were also more likely to have dental caries (OR 2.3 : CI95% 1.4-3.8). Conclusions: Decreases in caries prevalence and severity were followed by an increased inequality in caries distribution. Low level of schooling, low maternal schooling and low monthly family income were statistically associated with dental caries. Key words: Brazil, dental caries, inequality, socioeconomic conditions, young adults.