Job satisfaction - an independent risk determinant of periodontal disease

Background: Periodontal diseases are oral disorders characterized by inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth. The aetiology of periodontal diseases is multifactorial. The effects of various psychosocial factors such as emotional stress, a high level of work stress, dissatisfaction at work or stress from unemployment have been the focus of several investigations on oral diseases. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and job satisfaction in rural area of India. Material and Methods: The case-control study included 241 subjects in the age range of 35-60 years, from a rural region of India. The study participants were divided into three groups: Group I (n = 80), Group II (n = 80), Group III (n = 81). All the subjects were instructed regarding completion of a questionnaire from job satisfaction scale. The periodontal status was assessed by plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels. The results were statistically analysed by means of one way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed that the comparison of z-score with Group I was 66.21 while in Group II the z-score was 84.05 and in Group III the z-score was 92.52 and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that job satisfaction may be a risk determinant of periodontal disease & not only the type of stress but coping behaviour of the person is important as far as its effects on health are concerned.