Oral and Dental Health in Substance Dependent Individuals

Izmir Democracy University281 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this cross-sectional clinical study is to compare the oral health status of individuals with Methamphetamine (MA), Cannabis (THC), and Polysubstance (PSU) use disorders to healthy controls. The study aims to answer: How does substance use type (Methamphetamine, Cannabis, Polysubstance) affect dental health outcomes as measured by the DMFT index? What is the relationship between substance use characteristics (type, duration, and quantity) and oral health behaviors? Researchers will compare individuals with substance use disorders to a control group of healthy, non-substance-using individuals to assess the impact of different substances on dental health. Participants will: Undergo a clinical oral examination to evaluate dental health using the DMFT index. Complete a questionnaire on sociodemographic information, substance use history, and oral health behaviors based on the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI). This study contributes to understanding the dental health needs of individuals with substance use disorders and the importance of tailored dental interventions for this population.

This cross-sectional clinical study was conducted at İzmir Democracy University Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Education and Research Hospital Probation Clinic from April to August 2024. In line with Turkish policy, individuals involved in substance-related offenses attended probation clinics, where this study's participants were recruited. A sample of 190 individuals with Methamphetamine (MA), Cannabis (THC), and Polysubstance (PSU) use disorders was compared to a control group of 91 healthy male hospital employees with no history of substance use. All participants underwent clinical oral health examinations performed by a trained dental student and specialist dentist, assessing dental health using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index based on WHO diagnostic criteria. The clinical assessments were conducted with a portable dental chair, artificial lighting, and a dental mirror. The examiners were blinded to participants' substance use and sociodemographic details. In addition to clinical examinations, sociodemographic data, substance use history, and oral health behaviors were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire and the Turkish version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI). The study aimed to identify differences in dental health outcomes across substance use groups and to assess the relationships between oral health and variables such as substance type, usage duration, and oral health behaviors. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0, applying t-tests, ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation to evaluate differences and correlations across variables. A significance level of p\<0.05 was applied for all tests. The findings contribute to understanding the dental health needs of individuals with substance use disorders, underscoring the importance of targeted dental care interventions for this population.

Interventions

Dental caries was assessed using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) according to the World Health Organization's caries diagnostic criteria.DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The same psychiatrist administered the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to all participants. Oral health examinations were performed by a trained dental student and a specialist dentist using a portable dental chair, artificial light, and a dental mirror. Dental caries was assessed using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) according to the World Health Organization's caries diagnostic criteria. This index included the number of decayed, missing (due to caries, excluding 3rd molars), and filled teeth in the permanent dentition. The oral health examiners were blinded to each participant's substance use type and sociodemographic information.

Substance Use Disorder DiagnosisDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

This intervention involves a psychiatric evaluation conducted by a licensed psychiatrist to diagnose Substance Use Disorder according to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The psychiatrist performs a comprehensive assessment of each participant's substance use history and related behaviors. This diagnosis step is essential for identifying participants with specific substance use disorders, such as Methamphetamine, Cannabis, or Polysubstance Use Disorders, before proceeding with the dental health examination.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants * aged 18 to 45 * methamphetamine, cannabis, or polysubstance users. Exclusion Criteria: * absence of urine toxicology analysis results, * use of substances other than methamphetamine or cannabis, * being under the influence of substances during the evaluation * not meeting DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorder, * having any systemic medical conditions * current medication use * incomplete scales and forms. * who wore removable dentures * In the control group, individuals with a history of any substance use

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Compare the oral health status of individuals with Methamphetamine (MA), Cannabis (THC), and Polysubstance (PSU) Use Disorders to healthy controls assessed by DMFT index

Dental caries was assessed using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) according to the World Health Organization's caries diagnostic criteria. This index included the number of decayed, missing (due to caries, excluding 3rd molars), and filled teeth in the permanent dentition. A minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 28 can be obtained on the DMFT scale, with higher scores indicating poorer oral health.

Time frame: Up to 24 weeks