Prevalence of periodontal diseases in the special combat units of the Malian army: study carried out by the odontology service of the Bamako hospital infirmary (BHI)

Abstract

Introduction: Military personnel are characterized by their exposure to combat stress, changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle related to internal and external missions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease in these Malian soldiers.

Methodology: This study was taken place from September 01, 2020 to August 30, 2021 in the dentistry department of Bamako Hospital Infirmary (IHB). The study concerned service personal various special forces of malian Armed Forces consulted in the dentistry service and the Headquarters (HQ) of other special forces. Candidates identities were remained confidential in the study. Regarding data collection, the multi-part questionnaire was set up in the KoBoCollect digital data collection platform, which was administered to the military in face-to-face mode. The data analysis was performed on R software, version 4.0.4.

Results: In this study, the 20 - 29 years age group was the most represented. Non-commissioned officers were the most represented in 53.6%. Among Special Forces, GISGN accounted for 40.5% (IC (95%) ([34.3 - 47.1]) of cases. In relation to the duration in the Special Forces, 78.1% (IC (95%) ([72.1 - 83.0]) of the cases had a duration of less (<) than 5 years in their Special Forces. Plaque-induced gingivitis accounted for 86.1%, non-plaque-induced gingivitis for 4.6%, ulcerative necrotic periodontitis for 8.0%, and periodontal abscess for 48.1%.

Conclusion: The results of this survey show the urgency of implementing a program to combat periodontal disease in order to avoid the deleterious consequences of these diseases in theaters of operation.