Impactos do estigma da velhice no acesso das pessoas idosas aos serviços de sáúde bucal da UBS Pacolval

Abstract

Contemporary society faces a rapid population aging process, marked by increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. Alongside this process, the stigma of old age has emerged in various contexts, such as family, social, and healthcare settings, generating negative effects on the elderly. This study aims to understand the main impacts of age-related stigma on elderly people's access to oral health services at UBS Pacoval. It is a bibliographic and field study with a qualitative approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants, including five oral health professionals from UBS and six elderly patients awaiting dental care. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. In this context, the study conceptualized the stigma of old age, defined access to healthcare, and examined the perceptions of health professionals and elderly individuals regarding stigma and its effects on access to dental services. Only one patient reported experiencing ageism at UBS, while the others mentioned discrimination in other healthcare settings or had no such experiences, which represents progress in valuing, respecting, and ensuring the rights of the elderly. Most professionals acknowledged that age-related prejudice might exist in professional practice, while only one suggested that the perception of prejudice lies with the patients. On the other hand, the bibliographic research indicates that age-related stigma affects elderly people's access to dental services, impacting their quality of life, self-esteem, and willingness to seek treatment. The study also found that ageism imposes standards on the elderly that exclude and socially discourage them, leading to a sense of non-belonging. However, the field research, which was localized and limited in scope, did not identify this scenario, instead revealing a majority of positive and promising cases among the interviewees. Additionally, family support proved to be essential in motivating oral health care.