Validity of the periodontal surveillance form in a Nigerian population

Abstract Objective: To determine the validity of the periodontal surveillance form in a Nigerian dental population. Materials and methods: A representative sample of 180 consecutive adults were interviewed and examined at the Dental Centre University College Hospital Ibadan using the periodontal surveillance form and the CPITN index. The data were collated and analyzed using the SPPS version 15. Results of the periodontal surveillance form were compared with the result of the CPITN index as a gold standard. Its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.9±16.3 years, males accounting for 48.9%. Based on CPITN scores, about 13% of the participants had healthy periodontium. Using the surveillance form, 65% reported that they had no periodontal disease while 21.7% reported that they had the disease. Sensitivity of the questions in the surveillance form ranged from 10%-43% while the specificity was 90% and above. Positive predictive values for all the questions ranged between 81% and 97% while the negative predictive values were all less than 20%. Non response rate was 0%. Conclusion: The periodontal surveillance form was relatively valid since the specificity and positive predictive values were high despite low values of sensitivity and negative predictive values.