Risk Factors Associated with Periodontal Diseases among Yemeni Adult Patients

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible risk factors associated with periodontal diseases among adult dental patients in Yemen. Methods: The study population comprised of 805 patients attending the teaching dental hospital in Dhamar city, Yemen. The first part of investigation was interview including age, gender, systemic diseases, pregnancy (for women), as well as tooth brushing, smoking, and Qat chewing habits and dentist interval visits. The second part was clinical examination including the periodontal parameters. Data were analyzed and presented in terms frequencies and percentages or means and standard deviations, as appropriate. Chi-squared test was used for associations and Mann-Whitney U test was used for differences. Regression analysis was utilized for the determinants of the periodontal disease. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The bivariate analyses revealed significant differences (P< 0.05) between the independent variables (proposed risk factors) groups in relation to the periodontal parameters except for systemic disease in relation to GI and BI, visiting dentist in relation to CI, BI, and GR, and pregnancy in relation to PI, GI, CI, and BI (P> 0.05). The regression analyses revealed that the age, smoking, and brushing teeth are significant (P< 0.05) determinants for all periodontal parameters. Whereas, systemic disease was a significant determinant for GR, and sex for BI. Conclusions: Age, brushing teeth and smoking are the significant determinants of periodontal health. Education about the side effects of bad habits as well as maintaining good oral hygiene should be implemented.