IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health Issues in Recovering Drug Addicts
Objectives: (1) To compare the Dental Caries Experience, Periodontal Conditions and Oral Hygiene, as well as Oral Health Awareness, between Recovering Drug Addicts with the general adult population in Hong Kong (2) To investigate whether Sociodemographic Features and Drug Use History affect Oral Health Problems (3) To assess and provide the types of dental treatment required by Recovery Drug Addicts (4) To raise oral health awareness among Recovery Drug Addicts by means of Oral Health Education.
Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 51 participants from three centres to collect data on Oral Health Awareness, Sociodemographics and Drug Use History of participants. Detailed oral examination was conducted to record Caries Experience (DMFS), Periodontal Condition (CPI) and Oral Hygiene Conditions (Visible Plaque Index). A comprehensive treatment plan was recorded and basic dental treatments were performed. Variables were analysed with Chi-Square test, Independent T-test and Spearman’s Correlation, and compared with the general adult population of Hong Kong.
Results: Older participants are found with higher DMFS and Visible Plaque (p<0.000) and those with low education level are associated with more Periodontal Pockets (p=0.004). Participants who have abused drugs for more than five years, and those who used once or more per day also have a higher mean DMFS (p=0.008, p=0.019). Recent recovering addicts are found with higher percentage of Visible Plaque (p=0.004). Recovery Addicts have a higher DMFT score (7.7) than the General Adult population (6.9).
Conclusions: To conclude, Sociodemographic variables and Drug Use History influence the severity of Oral Health Problems in Recovering Drug Addicts. More severe Oral Health Problems are found compared to the general adult population in Hong Kong, such as Caries Experience, Periodontal Conditions and Oral Health Habits. Patients have inadequate knowledge on common oral diseases and future interventions are encouraged to raise their Oral Health awareness.
Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 51 participants from three centres to collect data on Oral Health Awareness, Sociodemographics and Drug Use History of participants. Detailed oral examination was conducted to record Caries Experience (DMFS), Periodontal Condition (CPI) and Oral Hygiene Conditions (Visible Plaque Index). A comprehensive treatment plan was recorded and basic dental treatments were performed. Variables were analysed with Chi-Square test, Independent T-test and Spearman’s Correlation, and compared with the general adult population of Hong Kong.
Results: Older participants are found with higher DMFS and Visible Plaque (p<0.000) and those with low education level are associated with more Periodontal Pockets (p=0.004). Participants who have abused drugs for more than five years, and those who used once or more per day also have a higher mean DMFS (p=0.008, p=0.019). Recent recovering addicts are found with higher percentage of Visible Plaque (p=0.004). Recovery Addicts have a higher DMFT score (7.7) than the General Adult population (6.9).
Conclusions: To conclude, Sociodemographic variables and Drug Use History influence the severity of Oral Health Problems in Recovering Drug Addicts. More severe Oral Health Problems are found compared to the general adult population in Hong Kong, such as Caries Experience, Periodontal Conditions and Oral Health Habits. Patients have inadequate knowledge on common oral diseases and future interventions are encouraged to raise their Oral Health awareness.