Resumo

FRAZAO, Paulo et al. Water fluoridation and shortcomings within information system for the health surveillance policy. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2013, vol.67, n.2, pp. 94-100. ISSN 0004-5276.

The control of drinking water quality in Brazil is due to the Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Program and the fluoride is one of the parameters monitored by the information system (SISAGUA). Objective. To analyze the appropriateness of the tool used by SISAGUA for registering of data related to fluoride and to estimate its coverage in Brazil. Method. Procedures of documental analysis and description of the content related to fluoride parameter based on outputs provided by electronic system were utilized. Data obtained from Brazilian Ministry of Health related to system feeding at 2008 were analyzed according to characteristics at municipal level. Results. Underfeeding and lack of required data for surveillance were observed. In 2008, 62.7% (n=3,489) of Brazilian municipalities was not registered or did not feed the system at least four times per year. Lack of register and system feeding was associated to worst indicators of sanitary, economic and human development at municipal level. The concentration of fluoride, in mg/L, is informed within the system by monthly average and maximum values. Many counties inform only monthly average values generating insufficient statistics for fluoride concentration assessment. The system does not enable to identify interruptions of water fluoridation. Conclusion. The structure and use of SISAGUA showed problems at level municipal. The available data are insufficient for water fluoridation surveillance. Changes for improving the information system are strongly recommended.

Palavras-chave : Drinking Water; Fluoridation; Surveillance; Information Systems; Health Public Policy.