Quality of life evaluation, salivary cortisol levels and symptoms of anxiety and depression and the presence of gingivitis in children

• Grant number: 11/00379-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria Beatriz Duarte Gavião
• Grantee: Priscila de Lima da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The literature suggests the influence of psychological factors, as anxiety, stress and depression, on the development of gingivitis. Everyday life could increase vulnerability to stress related diseases. Thus, the purpose of this study will be to evaluate 60 children aged 12 years, divided in two groups according to gender. The following variables will be verified: 1-presence/absence of gingivitis; 2- quality of life evaluation scale; 3- symptoms of anxiety and depression; 4- salivary levels of free cortisol. The results will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, Shapiro-Wilks-W test, Pearson's correlation test, Mann-Whitney test and t test, where appropriate. A stepwise logistic multiple-regression analysis will be employed to test whether the presence gingivitis is affected by the variables studied. The significance level will set at =0.05. (AU)