Association between different blood groups, depression and oral health status of dental students.

Introduction: Knowledge of blood groups and their association with oral diseases and depression is very important, as it may help in early diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among dental students of a private dental college. The study was conducted in two phases, in the first phase the blood samples of each student were collected and sent for blood group examination in laboratory. Data for oral health status was collected by recording oral hygiene, dental caries and questions regarding oral hygiene habits and adverse oral habits. Depression level was recorded using a pre-validated, 21 item close ended questionnaire. Data thus collected was subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square and frequency distribution test using SPSS software.

Results: The total study subjects were 315, 95 males and 220 females. On applying chi-square test between blood group and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score, a highly significant association (p=0.00) was observed. A non-significant association p=0.217 and p=0.668 was observed between gender and DMFT and Oral hygiene index-simplified and Blood group respectively. When comparing blood group and Depression score, a non-significant association (p=0.74) was observed.

Conclusion: DMFT score varies in different blood groups and this might suggest a positive association between blood groups and DMFT score, while depression, oral hygiene and gender might not be affected by the different blood groups.