RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION, ALCOHOL AND /OR TOBACCO ABUSE OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE AND CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH

Abstract

Objective : To investigate the influence of parental depression and smoking and alcohol use by parents/caregivers use on oral health in children aged 5-11 years of both sexes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 85 children and their parents/caregivers. Adult respondents completed three questionnaires to assess depression and alcohol and tobacco use: two versions of the PHQ (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) for risk assessment of alcohol dependence and abuse, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The PHQ-2 contained two questions requiring an affirmative or negative answer. Children underwent oral examinations to evaluate biofilm control, gingival bleeding and caries index, specifically DMFT index. Relationships among variables were evaluated using chisquared tests and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Only 10.6% of parents and caregivers consumed tobacco and 24,7% of parents or caregivers manifested depressive symptoms. Regarding alcohol consumption, 10.6% of caregivers presented risky consumption or dependence. A positive association was found between children’s gingival bleeding and their caregivers’ risk of alcohol dependence (p=0.038). Conclusion: A positive association between caregivers’ risk of alcohol dependence and the presence of gingival bleeding in children was found. Caregivers’ depression and alcohol and tobacco use did not influence children’s caries.