Knowledge regarding periodontal disease and related systemic diseases among university students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: Periodontal disease attained global concern especially after several studies linked periodontal disease with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Moreover, the prevalence of these systemic diseases among Lebanese population is considerably high. However, the knowledge regarding the periodontal health and related systemic diseases is unknown. The purpose of this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was to examine Lebanese University students’ knowledge concerning periodontal health and related systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: In total, 461 students out of 520 took part between November 22, 2022, and December 1, 2022, with a 88.6% response rate and were asked to complete an online survey that included questions concerning healthy periodontium and its relation with systemic diseases. Results: The data revealed a poor knowledge regarding the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases such as diabetes (27.5%), cardiovascular complications (28.9%), adverse pregnancy outcomes (27.5%), cancer (39.5%), respiratory problems (30.2%), and arthritis (22.1%). However, participants were aware of the healthy color and consistency of the periodontium (83.5%), (66.2%), and the need for dental check-ups (68.1%); moreover, public university and senior health-related students appeared with higher knowledge, compared with private and junior university students (P = 0.035, P = 0.048, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Knowledge regarding oral health in general and periodontal health specifically must be improved among university students. Therefore, awareness campaigns must be held to increase knowledge among them and consequently among their families regarding periodontal health.