December 2019

Objective: to determine the association between psychological distress and chronic periodontitis in 30-60 year olds residing in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Basic research design: an unmatched case control study which included 694 cases and 706 controls. An interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic and behavioural factors while an oral examination was carried out to record periodontal parameters. Psychological distress was assessed using a validated Sinhala version of the General Health Questionnaire-30. Participants: 30-60 year olds residing in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Results: the odds of having chronic periodontits was nearly three times more (OR=2.71, 95% CI= 2.09-3.51) in those with psychological distress compared to those without psychological distress. Further sex, age group, level of education, current smoking and self reported diabetes were associated with chronic periodontits. Conclusion: psychological distress is an independent risk factor for CP in this population. Keywords: Psychological distress, chronic periodontitis, Sri Lanka