Effect of Susceptibility to Depression on Periodontal Health Indicators Among University Students

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the susceptibility to depression and gingival health among Jordanian university students. Methods: Two hundred and sixty four participants were recruited for this study (135 females and 129 males, mean age = 21.4 years ± 1.9 years). The Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) was used to determine psychologically the perception of depression. The level of oral hygiene was assessed using a survey followed by a clinical oral examination. Results: Data showed a significant association between the susceptibility to depression and the plaque index and gingival index. A significant relationship was also observed between the susceptibility to depression and some oral hygiene habits like brushing teeth, regular dental visits and frequency of brushing. According to the stepwise logistic regression model, both the gingival index and regular dental visits had a significant positive correlation with the susceptibility to depression. Conclusion: The susceptibility to depression among Jordanian university students had an adverse effect on gingival health and oral hygiene behaviours.