Comparative Periodontal Status of HIV Seropositive Smokers and Non-Smokers

Objectives: To compare the effect of smoking versus non-smoking on the periodontal status of HIV seropositive patients as assessed by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs.

Methods: Fifty-three consenting confirmed HIV+ve subjects were selected from the PEPFAR clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Subjects were grouped to smokers and non-smokers. All subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire determining socio-demographic data, oral hygiene habits, dental visit and smoking history. Clinical examination using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs and Oral Hygiene Index by Greene and Vermillion was conducted by a trained periodontologist. Statistical analysis using EpiInfo v6 was done.

Results: The frequency of smoking was 15(28.3%) of which 93.3% were male. Majority 11 (73.3%) smoked more than 5 sticks per day and 10 (66%) had smoked for more than 5 years. More HIV+ve smokers 8(53.4%) presented with severe periodontal condition (code 3 and 4) than non-smokers 7(18.4%). Fewer HIV+ve smokers 1 (6.7%) presented with bleeding (code 1) than non-smokers. More non-smokers 23(60.5%) had calculus than smokers 6(40.0%). Reviewing OH, more smokers 3 (20%) had poor oral hygiene when compared to non-smokers(p=0.03). The periodontal condition as measured by CPITN showed there was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, no significant difference in periodontal condition, as measured by CPITN, was found between smokers and non-smokers. There appears to be associated with a poorer oral hygiene status when compared to the non-smoking HIV positive group (p<0.05). There is an indication for further research.