Impact of Syrian Conflict on the Oral Health of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

The Syrian conflict has had a negative impact on the psychological and overall health of adolescents. However, little is known about the oral health of those who are internally displaced.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental health state and self-reported oral health and habits in Syrian adolescents.

A total of 99 adolescents living in Syria were included in the study. The participants were given four questionnaires: the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Children (2013). The relationship between self-reported oral and mental health was evaluated.

Adolescents with symptoms of mental disturbances or abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely to self-report the health of their teeth and gums as below average, less likely to brush their teeth regularly, and reported more frequent smoking (p<0.05). Moreover, symptoms of mental disturbances and abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely in adolescents living in rural areas and whose parents' education did not exceed secondary school (p<0.05).

Syrian adolescents reported mental disturbances, which were reflected in their poor oral health and habits. These findings confirm the need for psychiatric and oral health care programs for Syrians who remain in areas of conflict.