Periodontal health of transport workers in a union territory, India.
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Periodontal health status of transport workers of a union territory in India: A cross-sectional study
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:
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Ramandeep Singh Gambhir, Ashutosh Nirola, Jagjit Singh, Tegbir Sekhon, Samir Anand
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Periodontal health status of transport workers of a union territory in India: A cross-sectional study
Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.153482
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Periodontal disease is a widespread dental affliction that impacts adults globally, with varying severity from mild to severe cases. This study focused on the periodontal health of transport workers in Chandigarh, specifically those employed by the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU). Recognizing the significance of these workers in the transportation sector, the research aimed to evaluate their oral health status and understand how socioeconomic and educational factors influenced their periodontal health.
Socioeconomic Status and Periodontal Health
The findings revealed a strong correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and periodontal health among transport workers. Notably, a significant percentage of workers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds exhibited worse periodontal health, with 73% having a community periodontal index (CPI) score of 2, indicating the presence of calculus. In contrast, healthier periodontal states were observed among those from higher SES categories, with none of these workers recording severe periodontal disease (CPI score of 4). Moreover, educational attainment also played a crucial role; postgraduates demonstrated better oral health compared to illiterate workers, highlighting how both SES and education are pivotal in influencing periodontal disease outcomes.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of targeting interventions for oral health education and care towards economically disadvantaged and less educated populations, particularly among transport workers. With advanced periodontal disease affecting only a small number of workers, there is a clear need for tailored dental programs that address the prevalent issues faced by lower SES groups. Overall, strategies that prioritize oral health education, as well as regular dental check-ups, are essential for improving the periodontal health of this demographic, ultimately contributing to enhanced quality of life.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main objective of the study on transport workers?
The study aimed to assess the periodontal health status of transport workers in Chandigarh, focusing on how socioeconomic status and education impact periodontal disease prevalence.
How many subjects were included in the study and what criteria were used?
A total of 998 subjects were included after necessary exclusions, with periodontal health evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) on a modified WHO format.
What were the results regarding the periodontal health of subjects?
Approximately 8.13% of the subjects had healthy periodontium; however, 73.2% scored 2 on the CPI, indicating calculus presence. There were significant associations between socioeconomic status, education level, and periodontal health.
What factors were found to influence periodontal health in the study?
The study identified that lower socioeconomic status and lower educational attainment significantly correlated with poorer periodontal health outcomes, with a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in these groups.
What conclusions were drawn from the study about dental health programs?
The study emphasized the need for prioritizing dental health programs targeting lower socioeconomic groups and individuals with lower education levels, as these populations showed higher prevalence of periodontal diseases.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Periodontal health of transport workers in a union territory, India.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
In the context of epidemiological studies, tables summarize and present data findings clearly and concisely. Tables can display the results of health assessments, such as the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) scores related to different socioeconomic statuses (SES) or educational backgrounds, allowing readers to grasp intricate relationships and trends at a glance. They facilitate effective comparison and understanding of data collected during the research.
2) Study (Studying):
A study refers to systematic research conducted to investigate specific phenomena or health issues. The chronic periodontitis assessment among transport workers represents a study aiming to understand the correlation between periodontal health, socioeconomic status, and education. It provides empirical evidence that informs public health interventions and policy decisions to combat dental diseases.
3) Disease:
Disease signifies any condition that disrupts normal bodily functions, often resulting in impaired physical or mental health. In the document, periodontal disease is a focal point, characterized by inflammation and infection affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, making it a significant health concern, especially for the transport worker demographic.
4) Education:
Education plays a crucial role in determining health behaviors and outcomes. Higher levels of education generally correlate with increased health literacy, better access to healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices. In this study, education levels among transport workers significantly influenced their periodontal health, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs to improve oral care practices.
5) India:
India, as the setting of this study, has diverse socioeconomic conditions affecting healthcare access and outcomes. The research focuses on Chandigarh, part of the Union Territory landscape of India, where transport workers face unique health challenges. Understanding disease prevalence in this context can inform national health strategies to enhance oral and general health.
6) Pur:
In socioeconomic terms, 'poor' classifies individuals or households with limited financial resources and access to healthcare. This study reveals a higher prevalence of periodontal disease among poor workers compared to those from wealthier backgrounds, underscoring the correlation between poverty, education, and health disparities in accessing preventive dental care.
7) Male:
The majority of participants in the study were male, as female representation was minimal. Gender disparities often influence health outcomes due to varied risk factors, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare-seeking patterns. The focus on a male-dominated workforce in this study reflects broader trends in occupational health research within primarily male jobs, such as transport.
8) Developing:
'Developing' refers to countries or regions undergoing economic growth and improvement in health indices, yet still facing significant health challenges. In India, which is classified as a developing nation, public health systems struggle to address widespread oral health issues due to factors like poverty and lack of education, as shown in this study.
9) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism denotes a chronic addiction to alcohol, which can significantly impair both physical and mental health. The study found a notable proportion of transport workers reporting alcoholism, highlighting its negative impact on periodontal health. Tackling these behavioral health issues is vital for improving overall health outcomes in high-risk occupations.
10) Suffering:
Suffering encompasses experiencing pain or distress due to health conditions. In this study, transport workers suffering from periodontal disease endure physical discomfort and potential lifestyle limitations, illustrating the impact dental health has on quality of life and daily functioning. Addressing this suffering through preventive measures is essential for public health improvement.
11) Dealing:
Dealing refers to how individuals manage or cope with issues, such as health challenges. Transport workers' dealing with periodontal disease reflects their approach to oral hygiene and healthcare. The study emphasizes the importance of education and accessible healthcare resources to improve their ability to effectively handle oral health issues.
12) Indian:
The term 'Indian' identifies the national context for the study. The cultural, economic, and healthcare structures in India influence how individuals perceive and treat health issues, including oral health care. This study sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Indian transport workers related to periodontal disease.
13) Life:
Life represents the biological, social, and personal experiences of individuals. This study illustrates how periodontal disease impacts the lives of transport workers by affecting their physical well-being and ability to perform daily activities. Improving oral health can, therefore, enhance the overall quality of life among these workers.
14) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often signifying periodontal disease severity when it affects gum tissues. The study highlights the relationship between inflammation and periodontal health, showing how effective management of this response is crucial for preventing extensive tissue damage and maintaining oral health among transport workers.
15) Puducherry:
Puducherry, an Indian Union Territory, serves as a comparative backdrop in the study discussing periodontal disease prevalence. Mentioning Puducherry illustrates regional differences in oral health trends, suggesting epidemiological variations influenced by socioeconomic and lifestyle factors across different parts of India, crucial for understanding national health disparities.
16) Discussion:
The discussion section in research interprets study results comprehensively, linking findings to existing literature and examining implications. In this study on transport workers’ periodontal health, the discussion contextualizes data within broader public health issues, critically analyzing the relationships between education, socioeconomic status, and oral health outcomes.
17) Calcutta:
Calcutta, as a major city in India, represents another location where oral health studies have been conducted. It illustrates regional health issues affecting urban populations. The study might draw comparisons with Calcutta to highlight disparities in periodontal health and access to dental care across different Indian cities.
18) Quality:
Quality, in a health context, refers to the standard of health services or outcomes. This study aims to assess the quality of periodontal health among transport workers while emphasizing the importance of improving quality standards in oral healthcare. Enhancing service delivery can positively influence public health measures.
19) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the foundation of evidence-based health research, underlining the methodological rigor behind studies. This study's scientific approach involves data collection, analysis, and interpretation focused on understanding periodontal health problems among transport workers, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of dental public health and occupational health.
20) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal refers to a significant region in India that might serve as a comparative example for health studies. Epidemiological data from Bengal may provide context for this study's findings on periodontal health, indicating regional health variations and the need for tailored interventions addressing specific community health needs.
21) Punjab:
Punjab, being a significant Indian state, relates to this study's geographical context. Given Chandigarh’s close proximity to Punjab, the health behaviors and outcomes of transport workers in these regions highlight the socio-economic health dynamics specific to workers in similar cultural and economic environments.
22) Nature:
Nature describes the inherent character or qualities of health and disease conditions. Understanding the nature of periodontal disease, including its risk factors and progression, is fundamental in this research. It emphasizes how lifestyle variables contribute to the prevalence of periodontal health issues among transport workers.
23) Reason:
Reason signifies the underlying causes or justifications for observed health phenomena. This study examines reasons behind the periodontal disease trends observed in transport workers, linking them to socioeconomic factors and education levels. Identifying these reasons is pivotal for effective public health interventions targeting preventative care.
24) Powder:
Powder in the context of oral health often refers to dental hygiene products like toothpowder, which some workers used alongside toothpaste. This study observes varying dental care habits, highlighting potential impacts on periodontal health outcomes, pointing to the significance of product choices in oral disease prevalence.
25) Delhi:
Delhi, India’s capital, signifies a contrasting urban health environment compared to Chandigarh. Comparative studies across both cities can uncover disparities in health service access, education, and outcomes concerning periodontal disease among transport workers, showcasing urban-rural health dynamics prevalent in India’s diverse population.
26) Roman (Roma):
Roman may refer to a scholar, author, or researcher whose work on dental health has contributed insights or comparisons in the field. By mentioning Roman, the study acknowledges prior research that contextualizes its findings within the larger body of scientific literature concerning periodontal health.
27) Visit:
Visit refers to clinical assessments conducted for health evaluations. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health. This study discusses the frequency and habits among transport workers, indicating potential gaps in healthcare access and awareness regarding the importance of routine dental check-ups.
28) Kota:
Kota, an industrial city in India, could serve as another comparison for health outcomes in specific occupations. Examining Kota’s worker population may yield insights into differences in periodontal health due to occupational hazards, lifestyle choices, and education, which are key factors addressed in this study.
29) Food:
Food relates to dietary habits, which can significantly affect oral health. Nutritional intake influences periodontal disease risk; thus, this study may include considerations of the types of food consumed by transport workers. Diet is a critical factor in understanding total health and preventive strategies for disease management.
30) Sign:
Sign indicates evidence or indicators of health conditions; in this study, signs of periodontal disease are assessed through clinical examinations. Understanding how these signs manifest among transport workers helps identify the state of their oral health and the need for targeted interventions.
31) Pain:
Pain signifies the physical discomfort associated with periodontal disease, impacting daily life and work performance. This study highlights how untreated periodontal issues can result in chronic pain for transport workers, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies and timely dental care to alleviate pain.
32) Salt (Salty):
Salt, as a dietary component, can influence overall health, including oral health conditions. In contextualizing the relationship between diet and health, the study may examine how the consumption of processed food and high-salt diets among workers contributes to periodontal disease, reflecting broader lifestyle impacts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Periodontal health of transport workers in a union territory, India.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chronic disease, Socioeconomic status, Pilot study, Health Promotion, Community Periodontal Index, Demographic factors, Periodontal health status, Higher education level.