Adesão de dentistas atuantes no Sistema Único de Saúde à prescrição de plantas medicinais/fitoterapia e fatores associados

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dentists in the Primary Health Care of the Unified Health System (APS/SUS) who prescribe medicinal plants/phytotherapeutics (PMF) and associate it with sociodemographic and professional aspects, knowledge on the subject, clinical practice, training, and personal use. Observational study, from March to July 2023, in a sample of 563 DS. A previously tested instrument was applied. It was found that 161 (28.6%) stated that they prescribe PMF. The variables: asking the patient if he/she uses this type of therapy (2.29 [1.59-4.20]; <0.001), having theoretical basis (3.31 [1.90-5.74]; <0.001), considering oneself qualified (2.55 [1.28-5.06]; 0.008) and reporting personal use of medicinal plants/phytotherapy (4.48 [2.45-8.17]; <0.001), were the variables statistically associated with the prescription of PMF by dentists. On the other hand, sociodemographic and professional elements of the variables, as well as knowledge about regulations and policies, were not associated with the prescription. It is concluded that the adherence of dentists to the prescription of PMF is related to the habit of asking the patient about their use, reporting having theoretical basis, feeling qualified to prescribe and making personal use of this therapy.