Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. P. Nagarjuna,
pottemnagarjuna45@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Sense of coherence (SOC) measures a person’s ability to use currently existing life scenarios to overcome the associated
problems and cope with life stressors to lead a healthy lifestyle, free from any disease to stay well. It is the central construct of the salutogenic
theory put forth by Aaron Antonovsky. Few studies have examined its impact on Oral Health status and oral hygiene behavior among
steel plant employees. Hence, this study was conducted with an aim to assess the SOC and the impact of SOC on oral hygiene behavior
and oral hygiene status among steel plant employees of Visakhapatnam city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study
was conducted during July–August 2022 among 300 factory employees from their regular shifts in steel factory. Cluster random sampling
methodology was used for the selection of employees. The SOC‑related data were obtained using short version of Antonovsky’s SOC
scale. Every item was scored on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7. The sum of the scores for SOC was 13–91. A high score indicates a
strong SOC. Clinical examination was done for recording oral health status using Oral Hygiene Index‑Simplified (OHI‑S), dental caries,
periodontal status, and oral mucosal lesions were recorded according to the WHO criteria 1997. Data were entered and analyzed using
SPSS ver. 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Majority of the factory employees who participated in the study had a low SOC
(60%). A significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation was observed with age (r = 0.1420), socioeconomic status (r = 0.1467), and visit to
dentist (r = 0.1912). A nonsignificant negative correlation was observed with habits (r = −0.0681), OHI‑S (r = −0.0772), dental caries
(r = −0.0874), Community Periodontal Index (r = −0.0642), loss of attachment (r = −0.0650), and oral mucosal lesions (r = −0.0542).
Conclusion: Strong SOC was associated with increase in age, better socioeconomic status, good habits, increased frequency of dental
visits, and a good oral health.