The Prevalence of Medical conditions among Dental patients in a South-West hospital in Nigeria

Prevalence of Medical conditions among Dental patients in a South-West hospital in Nigeria: Medical conditions in dental patients

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Medical conditions are of great concern in developing countries due to the acquisition of western lifestyle. This study therefore aims to determine the prevalence of medical conditions amongst patients attending the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital’s (LASUTH) Dental clinic.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among patients attending the Oral diagnostic clinic of LASUTH from June 2017- August 2018. After detailed explanation, well-structured questionnaires were distributed to consenting patients during the clinic hours.  The questionnaires captured bio-data and the medical conditions. Data analysis was by SPSS, window version 20, Chicago IL (USA). Quantitative analysis was done. Frequency distribution was used for categorical variables; mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. P-value was set as P≤0.05.

Results: Prevalence of self-reported medical condition was 25.6%. Of the total of 269 patients with medical conditions 96(35.7%) were males and 173(64.3%) were females, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.8. Age group 50-59 (19.3%) presented with the most medical conditions, followed by 40-49 (16.7%). Hypertension 134(49.8%), gastrointestinal diseases 83(30.9%) and diabetes mellitus 34(12.6%) were the most common conditions and there was a significant association between them and the age of patient. Only 165(61.3%) of patients were on medications for their conditions.

Conclusion: The medical conditions in dental patients were mostly seen amongst the middle age, hypertension was the most common condition, while the female gender and married patients were the mostly affected. Some of those with medical conditions were not on any medication; this will be of great concern if reason for non-compliance is not lifestyle modification.