Oral health status among Nyaope users at drug rehabilitation clinics in Johannesburg

Abstract

Introduction: Nyaope, an extremely addictive drug, has devastating effects on the health of its users. This comparative cross-sectional analytical study sought to assess the oral health status and behavior of nyaope users against a matched cohort of nondrug users. Methods: This study was conducted at Empilweni and Nishtara drug rehabilitation clinics in Johannesburg from 1 September to 29 December 2016. A total of 51 nyaope users and 25 matched non-drug users were recruited. Oral Health status was compared between the groups the decayed, filled, and missing teeth (DMFT) score, pulpal involvement, ulceration caused by dislocated tooth fragments, fistula and abscess (PUFA) score, bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontal pocket depth (POD) scores. A validated questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, diet, and dental behavior was administered to all participants. Results: The mean age of nyaope users (n=51) was 26.4 years (SD 4.84) and nondrug users (n=25) was 26.04 (SD 4.09) years (p= 0.75). Nyaope users had a mean DMFT score significantly higher than non-drug users [3.97 (SD 4.1 1) vs. 2.04 (SD 2.81) (p=0.03)]. Caries prevalence was significantly higher in nyaope users compared to non-drug users (82.35% vs. 48.0%; p=0.03). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of BOP [users 19.61 % vs non-users 16.0% (p=0.50)] and PDD (~4mm) [nyaope users 13.73 % vs. non-drug users 16.0 % (p=0.53)) between two groups. The PUFA score among nyaope users and non-drug users were similar [1.19 (SD 3.03) vs. 0.68 (SD 1.28) p= 0.42]. Only 51% of nyaope users (vs. 100% non-drug users) reported daily brushing and 100% (vs. 56% of non-drug users) had a highly cariogenic diet. Conclusion: Nyoape users had significantly higher cariogenic diets, caries prevalence, and DMFT scores compared to non-drug users. Additionally, Nypoape users were also significantly less likely to practice daily brushing than non-drug users