Risk indicators for prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis among rural Indian population aged 35-54 years.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify risk indicators associated with periodontitis and the contribution of each of the indicators towards the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis in a rural Indian population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data according to National Survey of Adult Oral Health Australia guidelines. A multistage stratified random sampling was followed to select 1401 participants, who were in the age group of 35-54 years. The participants were selected from 50 villages belonging to the 5 sub-provinces of 2 Indian districts. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and oral examination. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.3. The univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk indicators of prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis. Population attributable fraction was estimated for each of the significant risk indicators of prevalence and extent.

RESULTS: In this study, factors such as age, education, tobacco chewing and plaque accumulation were significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis. Age, socioeconomic status, method of tooth cleaning, alcohol consumption and plaque accumulation were significant risk indicators for generalized periodontitis. Age, tobacco chewing and plaque were associated with severity of periodontitis in the population.

CONCLUSION: The rural population had a high prevalence of periodontitis. Sociodemographic factors, poor oral hygiene, tobacco and alcohol were the main risk indicators attributable to periodontitis.