Dysfunctional Internet Behavior Patterns and its Relation to Oral Health Status among Adolescents in Coimbatore: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to assess dysfunctional Internet behavior patterns and their influence on oral health status among adolescents. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted among college-going adolescents in the Coimbatore district. The estimated sample size was 196. This sample was drawn from across the city through a simple random sampling methodology. Data were collected on a specially designed pro forma, which contained three parts. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive analysis was carried out. The Chi-square test was used to test statistical significance. Univariate logistic regression analysis of factors associated with risk at Internet Addiction Test in the study population was carried out. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a difference in the proportion of oral hygiene index scores (χ2 = 52.06), plaque index scores, and gingival index scores across Internet Addiction Tests and were statistically significant (P < 0.05), whereas the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index scores across Internet Addiction Test was statistically not significant (P = 0.54). Univariate regression analysis revealed that compared to good oral hygiene, the odds of risk at the Internet Addiction Test was 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8–8.7) times in fair and the association was statistically not significant (P > 0.05). The odds of risk at Internet Addiction Test in poor oral hygiene was 15.5 (95% CI = 4.16–58.11) times, and the association was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results have indicated that the time spent on the Internet, which is otherwise labeled as “Addiction” in adolescents, is related to the risk of oral health problems.