CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATUS OF YOUNG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS RESIDING IN TERNOPIL AND THE TERNOPIL REGION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-7684/2026-3-3Keywords:
anxiety, trait anxiety, state anxiety, Lüscher test, young age, chronic catarrhal gingivitis, periodontiumAbstract
Psycho-emotional status is a significant factor influencing dental health. This issue is of particular importance for young adults facing heightened psycho-emotional stress caused by various factors. However, the regional characteristics of the psycho-emotional state of young people in the Ternopil region remain insufficiently studied. Objective of the research. To determine the characteristics of the psycho-emotional status of young adults residing in Ternopil and the Ternopil region, based on gender and the condition of periodontal tissues. Materials and methods. For comparative analysis, a control group with healthy (intact) periodontal tissues (n=40) and a clinical observation group with chronic catarrhal gingivitis (n=40) were formed; each group consisted of 20 men and 20 women aged 18–25. Psycho emotional status was assessed using indicators of trait anxiety (TA) and state anxiety (SA) based on the Spielberger scale and the Lüscher test. Statistical significance of differences was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney test. Results and discussion. In both groups, TA scores for men and women were high, with no statistically significant differences between groups or genders (p>0.05). Men in the clinical observation group showed a significant increase in SA compared to the control group (p<0.05). Among women, a similar trend toward increased SA did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). In the control group, SA was significantly higher in women than in men (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences between groups or genders were found using the Lüscher test (p>0.05); the obtained values generally corresponded to an emotionally unsatisfactory state. Conclusions. A persistent high level of anxiety is characteristic of the young individuals examined, regardless of gender or periodontal status. The most pronounced changes were observed in the reactive anxiety (RA) scores of men with chronic catarrhal gingivitis, which may indicate heightened situational emotional tension. These results justify including a psycho-emotional status assessment for young patients as part of the dental examination
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