title: Periodontal status and its association with self-reported hypertension in non-medical staff in a university teaching hospital in Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A growing body of evidence suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and non-communicable systemic diseases with rising prevalence in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the periodontal status and its association with self-reported hypertension among non-medical staff in a university teaching hospital in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-medical staff using self-administered questionnaires and periodontal clinical examination between July and August 2013. Multivariate analysis was explored to determine the independent variables associated with self-reported hypertension. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 276 subjects were enrolled into the study. Shallow pockets (CPI code 3) constituted the predominant periodontal disease (46.7%), calculus (CPI code 2) 46%, bleeding gingiva (CPI code 1) in 3.3% and deep pockets ≥ 6mm (CPI code 4) in 2.2%. Self-reported hypertension was the most prevalent self-reported medical condition (18.1%) and found to be associated with periodontitis, increasing age, lower education, and a positive family history of hypertension.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periodontal disease was highly prevalent in this study. Self-reported hypertension was associated with periodontitis, older age, lower education and a positive family history. Periodic periodontal examination and regular blood pressure assessment for non-medical staff is recommended.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Umeizudike
authors.forename: P O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Ayanbadejo
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Onajole
authors.forename: T I
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Umeizudike
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Alade
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000150:complications; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000150:complications; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult