Assessment of the relationship between the frequency and duration of respiratory diseases and individual oral hygiene level, and their association with smoking

This study focuses on evaluating the relationship between the frequency and duration of acute respiratory diseases (ARDs), individual oral hygiene levels, and the impact of smoking among schoolchildren aged 15-17. A total of 61 adolescents participated in the study, 36% of whom were smokers. The Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) was used to assess hygiene status, and the frequency and duration of ARDs were determined through a questionnaire survey. The prevalence of smoking in our study was 36%, with both boys and girls smoking (13/9, respectively). In the group of non-smokers, we did not find a statistically significant correlation between the OHI-S value and the duration of ARDs (rs = - 0.04, n = 39, p > 0.05), while in the group of smokers, such a relationship of moderate strength was found (rs = 0.42, p < 0.05). A trend toward lower hygiene levels among smoking adolescents was also noted. The data obtained emphasize the importance of preventive measures aimed at improving oral hygiene and avoid smoking among adolescents as a measure to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.