Understanding patient perspectives of relationship between periodontal and systemic health: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Patient awareness regarding the interrelationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases is an essential consideration in the periodontal management of medically compromised patients Aims: The present study envisages understanding the patient perspective on periodontal diseases and periodontal-systemic disease interrelationship. Settings and Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional questionnaire study Methods and Material: Data was collected through a questionnaire consisting of 21 self-administered, structured, close ended questions that was distributed among 302 subjects presenting to the department of Periodontology. Statistical analysis used:The frequency of each response was expressed as percentage and correlations between responses to related questions were performed. Results: A reasonably acceptable level of awareness was noted regarding independent understanding of periodontal diseases and common systemic diseases. However, many of the subjects failed to appreciate the relationship between them Conclusions: According to the findings of the survey, there exist the need of educating patients regarding the interrelationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health. Key-words: Interrelationships, Patient awareness, Periodontal diseases, Questionnaire, Systemic diseases Key Messages: Awareness and cooperation on the part of the patients are essential in managing periodontal diseases in patients with systemic diseases. Patients need to be educated regarding the perio-systemic interrelationships for the successful management of periodontal and systemic problems, the onus of which is equally upon both medical and dental fraternities.