Pesquisa qualitativa na saúde bucal coletiva : uma análise bibliométrica

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze bibliometric in scientific production by means to qualitative research in public health dentistry. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis conducted in March 2014 in the database of the Virtual Health Library with controlled descriptors: pesquisa qualitativa / saúde pública / saúde coletiva / saúde bucal / odontologia / qualitative research / public health / oral health / dentistry. It was specified timeout period. The articles could be written in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Theses, monographs, editorials, literature reviews, or duplicate articles that did not refer to the subject of the study were excluded. Analyzed 55 articles published from 1998 to 2013, observing an increase in these publications since 2007 were evaluated. The number of authors for article ranged 1-7 (average 3,4) and increased over the years. The first author, in more than half of the articles published, was in Brazil (Southeast, South and Northeast), followed by UK, Canada and USA. These authors were primarily tied to public institutions of higher education. Few studies reported funding source, linking with academic work and type of qualitative research. Articles, mostly, were published in journals of public health and dentistry, with dentists, health professionals, patients / users of health services and dental students, using the technique of the interview. The research took place in 12 different countries. Stands out a greater number of qualitative research themed focused on Oral Health Policy, Strategy Family Health and dental education. The thematic analysis and content analysis were the methods of interpretation used in more studies. This bibliometric analysis presented in major scientific production of qualitative research in public health dentistry trends. We recommend extending this search, involving more databases of health. Poucos artigos informaram fonte de financiamento, vinculação com trabalhos acadêmicos e tipo de pesquisa qualitativa realizada. Os artigos, em sua maioria, foram publicados em periódicos de saúde pública e odontologia, com dentistas, profissionais da saúde, pacientes/usuários de serviços de saúde e estudantes de odontologia, utilizando a técnica da entrevista. As pesquisas ocorreram em 12 países diferentes. Destaca-se um número maior de pesquisas qualitativas com temática voltada à Política de Saúde Bucal, Estratégia de Saúde da Família e educação em odontologia. A análise temática e a análise de conteúdo foram os métodos de interpretação mais utilizados nos estudos. Esta análise bibliométrica apresentou tendências importantes na produção científica da pesquisa qualitativa na saúde bucal coletiva. Recomenda-se a ampliação dessa busca bibliográfica, envolvendo mais bases de dados da área da saúde.