Educational intervention concerning flu-like syndromes after the Covid-19 pandemic: impacts on dental indicators using an interrupted time series analysis

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background</h3> In Brazil, the state of emergency and the suspension of non-essential activities and non-urgent health services have led to a decline in the supply of dental services provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). To analyze the impact of an educational intervention concerning flu-like syndromes on indicators of the use of oral health services (UOHS) in Primary Health Care (PHC) after the Covid-19 pandemic. <h3>Methods</h3> Study based on a non-randomized community pilot trial with controlled analysis of interrupted time series conducted in four small municipalities in Northeastern Brazil. This intervention with oral health professionals and managers of PHC units lasted 12 months and was dichotomized into before (March 2020 to September 2022) and during (October 2022 to September 2023) the intervention. Three other municipalities with similar sociodemographic characteristics were used as negative controls (no intervention). Outcomes. <h3>Findings</h3> Training was associated with an increase of 1.01 in the proportion of RPCR per thousand inhabitants per month (Xreg=1.01; p-value=0.009) and a decrease of 1.28 in the proportion of RDEP per thousand inhabitants per month (Xreg=-1.28; p-value<0.001), but it produced no significant change in the proportion of RPPP (Xreg=1.47 p-value=0.799). One of the municipalities in the control group showed a decrease of 4.19 in proportion of RPPP per thousand inhabitants per month (Xreg=-4.19; p-value=0.004). <h3>Interpretation</h3> Training concerning flu-like syndromes is important for the safe return of PHC health professionals to dental clinic activities in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to guarantee comprehensive and problem-solving access to health systems located in areas of social vulnerability.