KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL DOCTORS IN TWIN CITIES OF PAKISTAN ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND SYSTEMIC HEALTH

Abstract

This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the need for interdisciplinary medical and dental training by evaluation of the level of awareness among medical doctors for the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health. The study was carried-out in public, private and military hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Data were collected from medical doctors (MBBS, Post-FCPS, and Consultants only). A sample size of 375 was selected through convenient sampling technique. A pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of questions regarding knowledge about relationship between systemic health and periodontal disease among medical doctors. Data were analysed using SPSS v24. Of the total 375 medical doctors, 358 agreed that there is an association between systemic health and periodontal disease, while 17 disagreed. Majority (309) of the participants knew about some of the signs and symptoms of the periodontal disease and only small number of them (66) were unaware of the symptoms. Many of the doctors (264) thought of gingival bleeding to be the primary clinical sign of periodontal disease whereas 102 doctors listed gingival pain as the primary symptom. Besides, majority of the doctors (249) expressed awareness about the association between the diabetes and periodontal disease while 213 medical doctors pointed out cardiovascular diseases and obesity to be linked to periodontal disease. Knowledge about relationship between systemic health and periodontal disease was satisfactory among medical doctors of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.