Thesis title: INDAGINE SULLA SALUTE ORALE E LA SUA CORRELAZIONE CON LE MALATTIE SISTEMICHE IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE ALBANESE
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Oral diseases constitute in Albania a significant public health problem, in a context of rapid socioeconomic transition, unfavorable behavioral determinants, and a growing burden of chronic conditions, with measurable repercussions on oral health outcomes. An integrated assessment of oral health status and systemic conditions was conducted in the adult population.
Objectives. To estimate the distribution of oral health indices (active caries, restorations, tooth loss/missing, sound teeth) and to evaluate their association with major chronic diseases and risk factors (hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, glycemia/diabetes, smoking, alcohol), with analyses stratified by age and educational level.
Materials and methods. Cross-sectional observational study on a representative sample of adults, stratified by sex, age, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. Data collection included clinical examination, standardized questionnaires, and validated oral health indicators; associations between oral status and systemic conditions were analyzed using multivariable models controlling for major confounders.
Results. In the overall sample, hypertension affects about one quarter of participants and exceeds one half in ages ≥60 years; major behavioral risk factors (smoking and alcohol) are widespread. Profiles with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases show less favorable oral outcomes, with greater tooth loss and lower proportions of sound teeth compared with other groups; moreover, active caries show peaks in specific clinical subgroups. A marked socio-educational gradient emerges, with worse conditions at lower levels of education.
Conclusions. Chronic multimorbidity is associated with worse oral health outcomes, especially in older age groups and among socially disadvantaged populations. The evidence supports the adoption of integrated prevention and care programs between dentistry and internal medicine, prioritizing vulnerable individuals and older adults.
Acknowledgments. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
Keywords. oral health; tooth loss; cardiovascular diseases; hypertension; risk factors; Albania; prevention; socioeconomic inequalities.