Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Use of Dental Services According to Ethnicity Among Older Peruvian Adults.

This study investigates the socioeconomic inequalities in the use of dental services among older Peruvian adults according to ethnicity. Oral health issues are prevalent among older populations, with a significant burden in Peru. The study uses data from the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey from 2017 to 2023, focusing on adults aged 60 and older. The analysis reveals that older White/Mestizo individuals have higher dental service utilization compared to other ethnic groups, such as Quechua/Aymara and Afro-Peruvian populations. The research examines the impact of variables such as education, wealth, geographic location, and health insurance on access to dental care, employing statistical methods like the Rao-Scott chi-square test and the Concentration Index to assess inequalities. The results show socioeconomic inequalities in dental service utilization, with utilization concentrated among wealthier groups and lower levels of use observed in some ethnic groups, especially those from rural areas and with lower educational attainment. The findings underscore the need for targeted health policies and interventions to reduce these inequalities and ensure equitable access to dental care for all ethnic groups in Peru.