Stroke and periodontal disease in Senegal: case-control study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally.
• Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory condition affecting oral health.
• Understanding the link between oral health and systemic diseases like stroke is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between periodontal factors and stroke incidence.
• To identify specific periodontal parameters linked to stroke risk in a melanodermic population in Senegal.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 120 stroke patients and 120 controls.
• Data collection included sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical history, stroke type, and detailed periodontal parameters.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant associations, adjusted for confounding factors.

Main Results:

• Periodontal disease indicators were more prevalent in stroke cases compared to controls.
• Periodontitis showed a significant association with stroke (Odds Ratio 1.58).
• Adjusted analysis confirmed the link between periodontitis and stroke, considering hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, and age interaction.

Conclusions:

• Periodontal disease is a significant risk factor associated with stroke in the Senegalese population.
• Findings highlight the importance of oral hygiene in stroke prevention strategies.
• Further prospective longitudinal studies are recommended to strengthen understanding and causality.