Periodontal Health of Libyan Pregnant Women

Periodontal Health of Libyan Pregnant Women copBackground Pregnancy- associate changes atomic reckon 18 more or less good on gingival create from raw material those observed changes necessitate been the object of interest for a long time. A turning of researchers reported the standstill in the midst of periodontic salubriousness of meaning(a) women and socio- scotch circumstance. No find push through on such(prenominal) subject has been performed so outlying(prenominal) in Libya. The aims of the present say atomic number 18 to evaluate the periodontic placement in a render of Libyan expectant women and to identify the association between various socio-economic variables ( facts of life, concern and income) and womens periodontic status. Pregnant womens age, introduce of gestation period and number of pregnancies were particularly considered in the analysis of the data. The procureed data could be reformative in home domesticate oral wellness packaging a nd periodontal affection legal community programs for great(predicate) women. Materials and Methods A total of 34 Libyan heavy(predicate) women in varying story of pregnancy experienceing the gynecology division at the policlinics in Benghazi-Libya constituted the target cosmos. After the participants filled in a questionnaire, their periodontal status was assessed by the researcher using the participation Periodontal Index (CPI), some(prenominal) tellingship to socio-economic variables ( teachingal direct, occupational status and income) and womens age, tier of pregnancy and number of pregnancies was evaluated. Data-entry and analysis were performed with the help of SPSS. Results The results showed that the CPI scores tends to summation as socio-economic status decrease. Further to a great extent(prenominal), the CPI scores tends to increase as womens age, stage of pregnancy and number of pregnancies increase. Discussion The CPI scores of pregnant women were gamey i ndicating a moderate to severe periodontal disease. Such finding whitethorn be related to the fact that the majority of pregnant women were comparatively old, in their third trimester, multigravidae, with primary level of education and ho spend wives. Conclusion The results revealed that periodontal health of Libyan pregnant women tends to associate with socio-economic status, womens age, stage of pregnancy and number of pregnancies. Therefore oral health promotion and periodontal disease saloon programs should target the identified risk groups.IntroductionThe introduction will concur a interpretation of the context in spite of appearance which the study took place, statement of the problem, description of the country in which the study took place and the policlinics in which the study was undertaken. excessively the introduction will earmark data on the motivation and physical object of this study and the study question.BackgroundSex-particular pro government agency medi cine is medicine tailored to action the specific needs of men and women, based on the results of scientific research. Clearly, more research is needed, particularly as it relates to women. Studies argon under way and more be existence designed to firmness of purpose specific questions and determine specific strategies to prevent and treat diseases that decl atomic number 18 particular impact on women (Krejci Bissada, 2002). Womens health issues have come to the forefront of medical exam research scarce within the last decade. This came more or less single later on signifi shtupt pressure was exerted by physicians and activist groups that recognized that the majority of clinical trials involved men primarily and that sex differences were not being addressed (Angell, 1993). These inequities prompted the Institutes of Health to begin financing research focused on sex differences. This, in turn, triggered other investigations into a variety of womens health issues, and an i ncreasing body of sex-specific scientific literary forms has emerged (Krejci Bissada, 2002). The habitual medical viewpoint relates to biological guides in the male as the norm, temporary hookup the female is considered to be exactly the equivalent except for re proceedsive functions. This has charter to a lack of aw beness of the need to study the implications of gender differences in periodontal tissues (Covington, 1996). Although dentition ar gender free, the supporting tissues of the periodontium are dangerous to the physiological variations in the levels of circulating steroid hormones in males and females (Tilakaratne et al., 2000). ace of the unchangeable puzzles of commonplace health is why many universe of discourses are healthier than others.For long time dentists and periodontists have been aware of the loads of pregnancy on the oral health of expectant mothers.Pregnancy is associated with great anatomical and physiological changes of varying conformation s (Herman, 1923). Pregnancy-related changes are most severe on gingival tissue those observed changes have been the object of interest for a long time. Many investigators have say that bleeding on probing and increased periodontal pocket are more common in pregnancy. The severity of the gingival inflammation in pregnant women is greater when compared to gingival inflammation in normal women (Hiling, 1950). in solely the studies show a spicyschool prevalence and an increasing severity of gingivitis during pregnancy. In an effort to determine the nature of this increased inflammation, galore(postnominal) more studies have since been carried out.Three main schools of thought have prevailed in regard to its etiology. some(prenominal)(prenominal) believe in a local etiology (Monash, 1931), others in vitamin C as a primary agent (Hiling, 1950), and others in the importance of the hormonal factors (Ziskin Nesse, 1946).Socio-economic status is associated with a variety of health- related behaviors. Epidemiological studies indicate that lower SES is associated with poorer health outcomes. A multitude of disease conditions are associated with socioeconomic status, and cause/effect (e.g., complaisant stress as a contributory cause of pump disease) is plausible (Marmot Wilkinson, 1999) Gener on the wholey, those who are better ameliorate, wealthier, and live in more desirable circumstances enjoy better health status than the less educate and poorer segments of society. Periodontal disease is a common disease in universe that whitethorn be affected by the socio-economic status. The effects of the socio-economic status on periodontal conditions in pregnant women have been reported by a number of researchers and there has been speculation as to whether hormonal changes during pregnancy or pre-existing conditions of general, oral health and socio-economic status have a greater effect on the development of periodontal disease during pregnancy. Dentistry can be vital in improving prenatal outcome and parental or fetal alveolar health through screening, referral and education of pregnant patients.Statement of the ProblemRelevant topic in pregnant women concern. No study on such subject is being recorded so far in Libya. Given the realistic association between periodontal disease and severe systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, periodontal status may itself be a risk factor for mortality rate (Beck et al., 1996). What has come to the forefront of recent periodontal investigations, however, is the relationship between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Krejci Bissada, 2002). A recent report (Jeffcoat et al., 2001) indicated that the risk of preterm nascency was immediately related to the severity of periodontitis in the mother. Pregnancy affects the asylum and progression of gingivitis and periodontitis (Brian Perry, 2002) and this disease if left untreated, can lead to teeth loss. Periodontal disease is a c hronic condition with an infectious origin. person-to-person transmission of periodontal pathogens occurs via spittle, and increased frequency of exposure to infectious saliva increases the likelihood of bacterial colonization (Asikainen et al., 1997). Periodontal pathogens can be familial among family members (Asikainen et al., 1997), and familial transmission may be a risk factor for progression to periodontal disease (Zambon, 1994). Periodontal disease was chosen because its prevention and treatment provide a second major part of the workload of practicing dentists. Both dental caries and destructive periodontal diseases are passing prevalent and create much morbidity all everyplace the humans because they are very expensive to treat, requiring skilled personnel and respectable amounts of master copy time.Understanding socioeconomic influences on periodontal health in pregnant women is important for planning and implementing effective prevention strategies against periodont al disease since many studies have shown that the periodontal disease in pregnant women not only influences their own oral health status but in like manner may increase their risk of other diseases such as atherosclerosis (Slade et al., 2003), rheumatic arthritis (Mercado et al., 2000), diabetes (Thorstensson et al., 1996), impact pregnancy outcome (Offenbacher et al., 1996 Jeffcoat et al., 2001), and their offsprings risk of developing early and severe dental caries (Caufield et al., 1993 Kohler et al., 1983).LibyaThis study took place in Libya, officially cognize as the Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Located in marriage Africa and bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Libya lies between Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Ghad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west and has a coastline of around 1900 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea (World Health establishment WHO, 2007). With an cranial orbit of almost 1.8 one millio n million square kilometers, Libya is the 17th largest country in the world by area (United Nations UN, 2003). The climate is mostly dry and desert like in nature. However, the blue regions enjoy a milder Mediterranean climate. Tripoli is the capital. The main language mouth in Libya is Arabic, which is also the official language. The religion in Libya is Islam. Libya is culturally standardised to its neighboring Maghrebian states. Libyans consider themselves very much a part of a wider Arab community. The flag of Libya consists of a green field with no other characteristics. It is the only guinea pig flag in the world with just one touch and no design, insignia, or other details.The main cities are concentrated in the northern part of the country along the coastal area. The six largest cities are Tripoli, Benghazi, Alzawia, Musrata, Derna and Sirte. The total population in 2007 was 6.16 million tribe (United Nations Population office UNPD, 2007). About 85% of the population is urban (UNPD, 2007), mostly concentrated in the two largest cities, Tripoli and Benghazi. The total life expectancy in 2007 was 74 (female 76.5, males 71.3) (UNPD, 2007). Libya is witnessing an increase in the adolescent age group with 32% of the population below 15 years old in 2006 (WHO, 2007). As a result, the countrys population is fairly young, and the proportion of Libyans aged 65 years and over was 5% in 2006 (WHO, 2007).Libya is an crude petroleum-producing country, with its main income coming from oil revenue, as well as some petrochemical industry and agricultural activities. Libya receives no external bullion as development aid from any source of any kind (WHO, 2007).Health care, including preventive, curative and rehabilitation function, is provided to all citizens free of charge by the Government. Health expenditure as a fortune of GDP in Libya is about 3.3% (WHO, 2007) and health expenditure per capita in Libya is US $222 (WHO, 2007). The Government spends 60 mil lion Libyan dinars (1$ =1.256LD) annually for the medical treatment of Libyan citizens overseas (WHO, 2007).Population with access to health services (urban and rural) is 100% (WHO, 2007). Major hospitals are regain in urban areas. It should be noted that the country has achieved blue coverage in most basic health areas (United Nations Development course of study UNDP, 2002). The mortality rate for children aged less than 5 years wild from 160 per 1000 live births in 1970 to 18 in 2007(United Nations foreign Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF, 2007). In 2007, 99% of one-year-old children were vaccinated against tuberculosis and 98% against measles (UNICEF, 2007). All payments in the private sector come directly as an out-of-pocket payment with the exception of some banks, private companies and the oil sector, which subsidize their employees medical coverage in the private sector.Some contractable diseases still pose a problem, such as AIDS, hepatitis, measles and tuberculosis. n oncontagious diseases have become a major cause of mortality and morbidity. The prevalence and incidence of noncommunicable diseases has increased dramatically over the past 20 years (WHO, 2007). Contributing factors include ageing, injuries and lifestyle habits. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and cancer reputation for significant mortality and morbidity rates and have put considerable strain on health expenditure (WHO, 2007).The main causes of death are cardiovascular diseases 37%, cancer 13%, road traffic injuries (RTI) 11% and diabetes 5% (WHO, 2007).Tobacco use among youths of school age (13-15 years) is alarming, 15% of students currently use some form of tobacco products and 6% of students currently smoke cigarettes(WHO, 2007). fleshiness is also emerging as a major health problem. pathway traffic accidents (RTA), which result in 4-5 deaths per day and even higher(prenominal) figures for disability, are a major burden of disease (WHO, 2007). It is fair to s ay that Libya has, overall, make a very good job of providing comprehensive healthcare to all Libyan citizens whatever their regional domicile in the country (Otman Karlberg, 2007).second border district and Ibn-Zohr PoliclinicsThe policlinics in Libya perform a key role in maintaining health in Libyas population. Anyone in Libya can use the policlinics. It serves the Libyan people free of charge .There are 39 policlinics in Libya, with the capacity of discourse approximately 50.000 to 60.000 patients. They are out-patient clinic for all medical specialties staffed by specialty physicians in most areas of medicine.This study was undertaken at the second March and Ibn-Zohr Policlinics.The 2nd March policlinic is located at Al-Hadaek area in Benghazi-Libya, well connected to other parts of the city and can be reached within 15-20 minutes by car from any part of the city. Open from 8 am to 330 pm, six days a week. This policlinic has a variety of contrastive healthcare services st affed by specialized physicians and excellent nursing staff. It comp pilfers octette unalike departments, namely, dental department, gynecology department, internal medicine department, pediatrics department, public health department, ophthalmology department, first aid department and pharmacy. The dental department provides diagnosis, extraction, leveling and radiological services. The internal medicine department provides chronic disease trouble, intense illness treatment and follow-up of patients discharged from hospitals. The gynecology department provides family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies, to manage gynecological disorders and to provide contraceptive cultivation and services and also antenatal and postnatal care. The pediatrics department provides management of common childhood illnesses. The public health department provides access to the subject immunization programme which is a major part of policlinic services, and growth observe for babies. The opht halmology department provides ophthalmological disorders management. The First aid department provides first aid services, constipate changing and minor surgery procedures like dressing and removal of stitches. The outpatient pharmacy provides the medication for the Libyan people free of charge. The typical patient reduce flow starts with registering at the reception thence the patient is referred to the clinic according to his/her complain, takes a number and waits for his/her turn, sees the doctor, goes to laboratory or X-ray (if unavoidable), sees the doctor again then drops the prescription at the pharmacy and takes the medication or is further referred to the hospital.The Ibn-Zohr policlinic is located at El-Berka area in Benghazi-Libya, and can be reached within 10 minutes by car from any part of the city having the same functioning system as other policlinics in Libya. It comprises four different departments, namely, dental department, gynecology department, public health department and dermatology department.HypothesisFor this study it was assumed that periodontal disease is common in Libyan women and may be influenced by pregnancy and socio-economic status.This study was conducted based on a quantitative approach to the association between socioeconomic status and periodontal health condition of pregnant women, considering 34 Libyan married pregnant women, varying in age from 20 to 41 years old, financial support in Benghazi-Libya. To avoid confounders, the participants for this study were recruited at random and from two policlinics in different geographic areas in Benghazi-Libya .The participants were recruited from the gynecology clinic at both 2nd March and Ibn-Zohr policlinics, during June 2009. After filing in a questionnaire by the participants about socio-economic status, the participants received an oral examination by the researcher to evaluate their periodontal health status. All socioeconomic components will be discussed in relation to their impact on the periodontal health of pregnant women. The socio-economic components that were considered in this study were education, occupation and income. The womens age, number of pregnancy and stage of pregnancy were particularly considered in the analysis.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the periodontal status in a sample of pregnant Libyan women and to ask the relationship between various socio-economic variables (education, occupation and income) and the identified periodontal status.It will be interesting to compare and to investigate the different components of SES and periodontal condition of Libyan pregnant women and see if some have more influence than others. To analyze and discuss the data in the light of a possible influence of socio-economic status related factors on periodontitis in pregnant women, info about pregnant womens age, stage of pregnancy and number of pregnancies was obtained and particularly considered in the analysis of the data . The data frankincense obtained could be helpful in planning oral health promotion and periodontal disease prevention programs for pregnant women.The Study QuestionThis newspaper focused on the association between Libyan pregnant womens socioeconomic status and their periodontal health condition in Benghazi-Libya. This study seeks to answer the adjacent research question Is there an association between Libyan pregnant womens socioeconomic status and their periodontal health status?lit ReviewThis section contains what is known on the most important aspects related to the research question. It will show the past work done on the stated study question and what is known about the problem that is being studied. The literature section provides in- judiciousness development on the socio-economic status history in Libya including a section specifically for Libyan women, and will give in-depth information on the periodontal health, periodontal health and socio-economic status, periodonta l health and pregnancy, and on periodontal health, pregnancy and socio-economic status.Methods and Search StrategyDifferent methods and strategies to search for information on periodontal health, pregnancy and socioeconomic status were used. Search of the literature for critique papers published in medical electronic databases such as PubMed and bibliographies were undertaken using a set of predetermined keywords. The search schema was initially developed and implemented for PubMed but revised appropriately to retinue the other database. Furthermore different various(prenominal) journals were searched such as the diary of American Dental Association and others included on the BioMed Central and the customs Link websites. Additionally, official Libyan websites concerning general information about Libya and socio-economic status history in Libya were searched such as www.gpc.gov.ly. No restriction was situated on the year of publication.The search strategy involved using a comb ination of terms relating to periodontal health, pregnancy and socio-economic status to identify relevant articles. For periodontal health, the following keywords were used periodontal health, periodontal disease, periodontal status, dental status, oral health, oral disease, periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal destruction, periodontal condition, and peridontium. For pregnancy, the following keywords were used pregnancy, pregnant, gestation, reproductive, and gravid. For socio-economic status, the following keywords were used socio-economic, socio-demographic, and socio-cultural, brotherly class, social factors, education, occupation, employment, income and finance.The titles and abstracts of the studies identified by the search were screened for possible inclusion in the review. All potentially relevant articles were thoroughly reviewed. Their mention lists were searched for any related articles.The initial search revealed approximately 630 studies. After review of the abstract and / or complete text and after discarding the duplicates, around one hundred twenty-five collected articles served to identify potential articles that related to this study.The studies were grouped into categories periodontal health, pregnancy, socio-economic status, periodontal health and pregnancy, periodontal health and socio-economic status, and periodontal health, pregnancy and socio-economic status (relevant studies).Socio-economic condition (SES) History in LibyaThe living standards of Libyans have improved significantly since the 1970s, be the country among the ones with the highest quality of life in Africa. Urbanization, developmental projects, and high oil revenues have enabled the Libyan government to elevate its peoples living standards. The social and economic status of women has particularly improved. Various subsidized or free services (health, education, housing, and basic food products) have ensured basic necessities. Many direct and collateral subsidies and free services have helped raise the economic status of low-income families, a policy which has prevented extreme poverty. Libya is not a highly polarized society change integrity between extremes of wealth and poverty (CIA World Factbook, 2001).Regarding the growing role of women in Libyan society, undoubtedly impressive amount of legislation dealing with womens comparison has been developed recently (Otman Karlberg, 2007).Socio-economic Status (SES) ComponentsSocio-economic status (SES) is a complex phenomenon predicted by a broad spectrum of variables that is often conceptualized as a combination of financial, occupational, and educational influences (Mueller Parcel, 1981).Socio-economic status may be defined as any footprint which attempts to classify individuals, families, or households in terms of indicators such as occupation, income, and education (Marshall, 1998). The social and economic conditions in an individuals life are important determinants of its overall health situation. Most crucial factors are hereby education, employment and income (WHO, 2005). One of the strongest and most consistent predictors of a persons morbidity and mortality experience is that persons socioeconomic status (Marmot et al., 1987). Socioeconomic status is typically dual-lane into three categories, high SES, middle SES, and low SES to describe the three areas a family or an individual may fall into. When placing a family or individual into one of these categories any or all of the three variables (education, occupation, and income) can be assessed.Nearly all epidemiological studies use SES as an explanatory or a misrepresent variable, or for the selection of subjects or matching criteria (Wnkleby et al., 1992). instructionA persons educational attainment is considered to be the highest level (grade or degree) of education they have completed. statement is an important factor contributing to better job opportunities and a higher income, which can again impact an ind ividuals health in a constructive manner. Many studies have documented strong inverse associations between education and all-cause mortality (Feldman et al., 1989) as well as life expectancy (Sagan, 1987). Education may facilitate the acquisition of positive social, psychological, and economic skills and assets, and may provide insulation from adverse influences (Wnkleby et al., 1992). Higher education enhances furthermore the access to health information and improves the health seeking behaviour, whereas a low educational level bears a higher risk of inadequate coping with stress, depression, and hostility (WHO, 2005). The most plausible hypothesis is that education may protect against disease by influencing life-style behaviors, problem-solving abilities, and values (Liberatos et al., 1988).Education is available for all individuals regardless of employment status, has high reliability and validity (Liberatos et al., 1988).Over time, education has become the most normally used s tripe of SES (Liberatos et al., 1988). Educational level is generally stable after early adulthood, easily reported, and can be collected as a continuous variable (Wnkleby et al., 1992). It is may be the most judicious SES stride for use in epidemiological studies (Wnkleby et al., 1992). In studies that have a salute or time restraint but need a measure of SES as a potential confounding variable, education is an expeditious select (Wnkleby et al., 1992).Education in Libya is free for all citizens. The 1969 Libyan Constitutional contract bridge states,Education is a right and a duty for all Libyans. It is required until the end of primary school. Libya boasts of the highest literacy and educational enrolment rates in North Africa (WHO, 2007). The adult literacy rate is 86.8% (male 94.5%, female 78.4%) (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, 2007). The main universities in Libya are Al Fateh University (Tripoli) and Garyounis University (Benghazi ). Significant numbers of Libyans attend university abroad, mainly in the United States of America and Europe (WHO, 2007).During the late 1960s, the percentage of females in elementary education was between 11 and 19%. By early 1970 the rate shot up to 37% and by 1990 it had escalated to 48%. The percentage of women at university level developed from 3% in 1961 to 8% in 1966, 20% in 1981 and then to 43% in 1996. By the early 1990 the number of females at all levels of education became equal to the number of males (Otman Karlberg, 2007).OccupationOccupational status as one component of SES encompasses both income and educational attainment. Occupational status reflects the educational attainment required to obtain the job and income levels that vary with different jobs and within ranks of occupations. Additionally, it shows achievement in skills required for the job. Occupational status measures social position by describing job characteristics, last making ability and control, and psychological demands on the job. Occupation measures prestige, responsibility, physical activity, and work exposures (Susser et al., 1985).In Libya, commencing with the Constitutional Declaration of 1969, which asserted the equality of all citizens in the beginning the law, and the Declaration of the Establishment of the Authority of the people in 1977, which asserted, Women and men are equal as human beings. Discrimination between men and women is a flagrant act of oppression without any justification.The legal position of women was reinforced by a series of important enactments through the eighties and 1990s, for example women can become judges since 1991, while many work as doctors and engineers in the oil industry (Otman Karlberg, 2007). Women were mobilized in the military and in the political system in the late 1970. There are also women lawyers and pilots. The percentage of women in the workforce is 32% (WHO, 2007).IncomeIncome refers to wages, salaries, profits, rents, an d any flow of sugar received. Income can also come in the form of unemployment or workers compensation, social security, pensions, interests or dividends, royalties, trusts, alimony, or other governmental, public, or family financial assistance. Income reflects spending power, housing, diet, and medical care (Susser et al., 1985). That better health is associated with higher income is well established.Income is related to health in three ways through the gross national product of countries, the income of individuals, and the income inequalities among rich nations and among geographic areas (Marmot, 2002).The income measure of SES can be used as a quantitative measure but is often grouped into categories due(p) to peoples reluctance and/ or inability to report their exact income. The sensitivity of this information is often problematic since many are unwilling to give out their income level, even in broad categories. Further complications with this measure include that it is relati vely unstable over time and is age dependent since income tend to rise throughout ones career and then drop after retirement.(Loue Sajatovic, 2004)The gross national income per capita (PPP international $) in Libya is US$ 14 710 (WHO, 2009). Approximately 7.4% of the Libyan population live below the poverty line (CIA, 2005 est.).In Libya, opportunities for upward social movement have increased and petroleum wealth and the development plans of the subversive government have made many new kinds of employment available, thereof opening up more well paid jobs for women especially among the educated young.Periodontal HealthThis section deals with the normal features of the tissues of the periodontium, knowl bunt of which is necessary for an arrest of periodontal disease.A section specifically for periodontitis epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology and its main signs and symptoms is included. approach pattern Periodontal AnatomyThe tissues that surround and support the teeth for nor mal function form the periodontium (Greek peri- around odont-, tooth). The periodontium consists of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone.The gingiva is divided anatomically into the marginal (unattached), attached and interdental gingival. The marginal gingiva is the terminal edge of the gingiva surrounding the teeth like a collar, but is not adherent to it and it can be separated from the tooth surface with a periodontal probe. The cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) is where the enamel of the crown and the cementum of the root meet. The Marginal gingiva in normal periodontal tissues extends approximately 2mm coronal to the CEJ. The space between the marginal gingiva and the external tooth surface is termed the gingival sulcus. The probing depth of a clinically normal gingival sulcus in humans is 2 to 3 mm (Manfra-Maretta, 1990). The attached gingival is continuous with the marginal gingiva. It is firm, resilient, and tightly bound to the underlying alveolar bone . Attached gingiva is bordered coronally by the apical extent of the unattached gingiva, which is in turn defined by the depth of the gingival sulcus. The apical extent of the attache