Association of Prolonged Screen Time, Psychological Stress, and Salivary Cortisol with Gingival Health Status among Information Technology Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study
Devika Dinesh, Subasree SoundarajanAbstract
Objective:
The study aimed to evaluate the association between daily screen time, perceived psychological stress, salivary cortisol levels, and gingival health status among Information Technology (IT) professionals.
Methods:
A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted among 180 IT professionals aged 20–45 years, who were recruited using a convenience sampling method from multiple technology parks. Daily screen time was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Psychological stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Unstimulated morning salivary samples were collected for cortisol estimation using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical periodontal examination included the gingival index, clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD). Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics version 23.0. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.
Results:
Daily screen time showed significant associations with the gingival index, CAL, PD, perceived stress scores, and salivary cortisol levels (
Conclusion:
Prolonged daily screen time is significantly associated with increased gingival inflammation among IT professionals, suggesting the possible association of occupational lifestyle factors in periodontal health.