Systemic conditions among dental patients in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

A prospective questionnaire-based study was carried out at the dental clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The study was designed to determine the frequency of systemic conditions among dental patients. A total of 1029 patients completed the questionnaire. Febrile illnesses, namely, malaria (14.0%) and typhoid fever (4.8%) were the commonest reasons for seeking medical treatment and for hospitalisation. Of the 199 (19.3%) patients on medications, anti-microbial drugs were the most commonly used (7.0%). Over 56% of the subjects had a medical condition. Drug allergy (26.6%), respiratory diseases (8.2%), arthritis (5.0%) and cardiovascular diseases (5.0%) were most frequently reported. The high frequency of medical problems in this study suggests that the dental surgeon as a member of the health team should adopt a holistic approach in the management of patients.



Key Words: Systemic conditions, frequency, dental patients


[Jnl Medicine & Biomedical Res. Vol.1(1) 2002: 7-11]