IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health Status of Illicit Drug Users in Pretoria
Objectives: To determine the oral health habits, practices and oral health status of illicit drug users at rehabilitation treatment centres in Pretoria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four treatment centres in Pretoria. Data was collected through a comprehensive self-administered questionnaire and a researcher administered oral examination. The questionnaire consisted of three parts; demographics, oral health habits and practices. The oral examination recorded the caries status, periodontal status, erosion and trauma. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS (V27.0). The relevant statistical tests were done to analyse the data.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.5 years (±7.49), with 91% being male. The majority (84%) were Black and 94% were originally from Gauteng. Almost all (87%) had never received oral health education and 55% were not aware that illicit drugs could have a negative impact on the oral health status and 40% had never had a prior dental consultation. The caries prevalence was 68% with a mean DMFT of 5.3 (±6.28). More than half of the participants (58%) required periodontal treatment and there were no pathological oral lesions diagnosed. Those who perceived their teeth to be in a poor condition had a significantly higher DMFT score.
Conclusions: Many of the participants had poor oral hygiene knowledge and practices and a relatively high prevalence of caries. It is imperative that oral health promotion and education is incorporated into the medical interventions provided at rehabilitation centres.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four treatment centres in Pretoria. Data was collected through a comprehensive self-administered questionnaire and a researcher administered oral examination. The questionnaire consisted of three parts; demographics, oral health habits and practices. The oral examination recorded the caries status, periodontal status, erosion and trauma. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS (V27.0). The relevant statistical tests were done to analyse the data.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.5 years (±7.49), with 91% being male. The majority (84%) were Black and 94% were originally from Gauteng. Almost all (87%) had never received oral health education and 55% were not aware that illicit drugs could have a negative impact on the oral health status and 40% had never had a prior dental consultation. The caries prevalence was 68% with a mean DMFT of 5.3 (±6.28). More than half of the participants (58%) required periodontal treatment and there were no pathological oral lesions diagnosed. Those who perceived their teeth to be in a poor condition had a significantly higher DMFT score.
Conclusions: Many of the participants had poor oral hygiene knowledge and practices and a relatively high prevalence of caries. It is imperative that oral health promotion and education is incorporated into the medical interventions provided at rehabilitation centres.