Relationship of psychological stress with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar City

Abstract

Background : Depression can have a negative influence on dental health and increase the chance of engaging in high-risk sexual behavior. This study aims to determine the relationship between psychological stress with  oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar Methods : This study is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design, was conducted in January 2022. The population in this study was 36 commercial sex workers in Makassar City, using total sampling technique. Exclusion criteria consisted of commercial sex workers who experienced cognitive impairment and commercial sex workers who did not complete the questionnaire. Psychological distress status was assessed using the General Health Questions (GHQ), and Depression syndrome  using DSM-IV criteria. Oral health status was assessed using OHI-S and DMF-T. Results : Based on the OHI-S score, the sample had an average value of 5.45 ± 6.70, the DMF-T index, the sample had an average value of 7.76 ± 5.18, the mental health score for psychological pressure had an average of 20.72 ± 8.46 and depressive symptoms had an average of 10.52 ± 6.86. Discussion : This study found a significant relationship between psychological stress with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar. Sex workers often feel they do not need oral health services and most of the pressure is always on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Conclussion : There is a significant relationship between psychological distress and depressive symptoms, with  oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar City.