Dysfunctional Internet Behavior Patterns and its Relation to Oral Health Status among Adolescents in Coimbatore: A Cross-sectional Study
P. Jagan, C. Jemimah Pauline, Suchithra Sampath Kumar- General Medicine
Aim:
The aim is to assess dysfunctional Internet behavior patterns and their influence on oral health status among adolescents.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted among college-going adolescents in the Coimbatore district. The estimated sample size was 196. This sample was drawn from across the city through a simple random sampling methodology. Data were collected on a specially designed pro forma, which contained three parts.
Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive analysis was carried out. The Chi-square test was used to test statistical significance. Univariate logistic regression analysis of factors associated with risk at Internet Addiction Test in the study population was carried out.
Results:
There was a difference in the proportion of oral hygiene index scores (χ2 = 52.06), plaque index scores, and gingival index scores across Internet Addiction Tests and were statistically significant (
Conclusion:
Our results have indicated that the time spent on the Internet, which is otherwise labeled as “Addiction” in adolescents, is related to the risk of oral health problems.