Self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and psychological symptoms in individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-02, Vol.43 (8), p.7071-7083
• Main Authors: Bulut, Meryem Berrin, Kurtaran, Deniz, Bostancı, Vildan, Sarı, Yavuz, Çil, Kübra Nur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Correlation analysis; Gum disease; Psychology; Quality of life; Self esteem; Social Sciences
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04924-3

The purpose of this study is to examine the levels of self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and psychological symptoms among individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease and compare them with those who were not diagnosed with periodontal disease. The literature review revealed a scarcity of studies that explore the relationship between psychological symptoms and periodontal diseases, and the absence of a comprehensive study that addresses the variables considered in this study. The participants were recruited from patients seeking treatment at a university’s faculty of dentistry, including those who were diagnosed with periodontitis and gingivitis, as well as those who did not receive any such diagnoses. A total of 90 individuals (n women = 45, n men = 44, 1 not specified) voluntarily participated in the study. The study utilized the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, and demographic information form to collect data. The experimental method, a quantitative research technique, was employed. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25, employing ANOVA and correlation analysis. The findings revealed that the healthy group had a higher mean for the general health status dimension of quality of life than those diagnosed with periodontitis, and those diagnosed with gingivitis had a higher mean than those diagnosed with periodontitis. Additionally, the mean scores of the healthy group were lower than those diagnosed with periodontitis for both hopelessness and depression. Finally, the mean scores of patients diagnosed with gingivitis were lower than those diagnosed with periodontitis for hostility. The correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between self-esteem and quality of life for all three groups. The results of this research have important implications, such as reducing interrelated psychological symptoms and periodontal diseases, planning early intervention studies, reducing the cost of treatment, improving oral health, and preventing unnecessary appointments.