Clustering of risk indicators for periodontal disease: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence of clustering of risk indicators for periodontal disease and association of clustering of the risk indicators with sociodemographic factors and the prevalence of moderate/severe periodontal disease in rural Indian 35-54 year-olds. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN A multi-stage cluster random sampling design was used for this population-based cross-sectional study. METHOD Data were collected through in-person interviews relating to sociodemographic factors and habits. Plaque index and periodontal findings were recorded from oral examination. Clustering of risk indicators such as smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol and plaque were assessed for association with periodontal disease and various other sociodemographic indicators using logistic regression models. Results: Of 1,401 people approached, 873 completed data; a response rate of 62.3%. Clustering of two or more risk indicators was present in 31% of the population. Prevalence of moderate-severe periodontal disease was 46.6%. Simultaneous presence of two/more risk indicators was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS Clustering of two or more of the factors plaque, smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol, was strongly associated with periodontitis.