An analysis of students' awareness of Tabriz Dental School about the effect and relationship between periodontal diseases on systemic diseases in 2021-2022

Abstract

Introduction Periodontitis is a risk factor for some systemic diseases. Furthermore, some systemic diseases can make periodontal tissues more susceptible to destruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge students at Tabriz Dental School had regarding the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic disease. Materials and methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 114 students of periodontics in the year 2021-2022. The standard periodontal disease awareness questionnaire was used to collect information, which combines Momeni et al. 's questionnaire (2013) and Pralhad and Thomas's standard questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 25 questions, of which 5 assessed knowledge of periodontal diseases and 20 assessed awareness of the impact of periodontal diseases on systemic diseases. Answers to each question ranged from 0 to 10, with a score of 0 indicating no effect and a score of 10 indicating full effect. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the professors and the CVR values were equal to 0.83 and its reliability was in accordance with Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, Independent t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Chi-square test. Results The mean knowledge score was 102/69 ± 24/29 (the maximum attainable score was 200). A low level of knowledge was held by 10.5% of students, a medium level of 86.8%, and a high level of 2.6%. Gender did not significantly differ in knowledge scores. Based on educational background, the mean knowledge scores varied significantly by the level of students therefore, students in 5th years and above were significantly higher than those in 1 to 4 years. Conclusion Students at the Tabriz dental school had a moderate understanding of the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases.