ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF IMPACT OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS ON ORAL HEALTH IN ”KING ABDULAZIZ” UNIVERSITY DENTAL HOSPITAL COLLEGE IN JEDDAH. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Authors: Mohammed SHAMI, Mohi Aldeen TURKISTANI, Khalid ALSHAREEF, Lujain ALSULAIMANI, Ammar ALMARGHLANI

Abstract:

Aim. To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of patients on the impact of different types of antihypertensive medications upon oral health. Materials and methods. A randomized cross-sectional study was performed on patients aged 18-80 years, at the dental hospital of  “King Abdulaziz” University in Jeddah during 2019-2020.  A validated questionnaires with a 21-item scale was used. Results and discussion. A total of 54 participants, most of whom Saudi above 50 years, were included in the study. 71.70% of them reported that they had no side effects of antihypertensive medication, while 61.11% reported that antihypertensive drugs caused no change in the gum. 53.70% have reported that their dental health care provider never informed them about the oral side effects of antihypertensive drugs. Conclusions. The level of awareness on the oral adverse effects of anti-hypertension medications was poor, a national plan requiring to increase free screening, preventive, and medical services, which will improve the compliance toward the treatment.

Keywords:
  • awareness
  • beliefs
  • high blood pressure
  • hypertension
  • KNOWLEDGE