Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Romaina Iqbal

Second Advisor

Ms Sabahat Naz

Third Advisor

Dr. Sonia Sameen,

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Oral health care is essential for sportspersons, as it can significantly impact their performance. Oral health is often overlooked in bodybuilders due to their lack of knowledge regarding the effects of athletic activity and dietary patterns on their oral health due to various factors like dehydration caused by exercise and frequent use of high-protein shakes, sports drinks, and other supplements during, before and after training to support muscle gain, hydration, and support training that can significantly increase the risk of oral health issues. Most of these supplements, beverages, and protein shakes are high in sugar content, raising the risk of dental caries and gingivitis. Bodybuilders are also prone to dental erosion due to the frequent intake of highly acidic beverages, putting the oral environment at risk of dental erosion.
Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the association between oral health outcomes and beverage intake among bodybuilders in different gymnasiums across Karachi. Using purposive sampling, 122 participants were recruited from gymnasiums. Oral health outcomes dental caries, gingivitis, and dental erosion were assessed with standard indices, beverage intake patterns were recorded through a structured questionnaire, and dietary intake was assessed through a Food frequency questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression analyzed the association between oral health outcomes(dental caries, gingivitis), beverage intake, and other dietary factors. Firth logistic regression was used for analyzing dental erosion and associated risk factors. Ethical approval was obtained from Aga Khan University.
Results: A total of 125 bodybuilders participated in the study. Most of the participants were male 118(94%), with an average age of 25±5.8. Most of the bodybuilders 61 (48%) consumed 3 of 88 protein-based beverage supplements. Analysis found that bodybuilders with protein based beverage intake had 3 times higher prevalence odds ratio of presenting with dental caries [OR=3.34 (CI=1.19-9.42)] and gingivitis [OR=3.34(CI=1.23-9.03) compared to those consuming caffeinated products. The prevalence odds ratio of bodybuilders who consumed protein-based beverage products and had dental erosion was 5.01 times (CI=0.24-103.86) the prevalence odds ratio of bodybuilders who consumed caffeinated beverage products after controlling for other variables in the model.
Conclusion: Bodybuilders need to be aware of the oral health risks associated with their beverage consumption. Strategies such as choosing lower-sugar alternatives, dietary choices, proper oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups can help mitigate these risks.

First Page

1

Last Page

88

Download

Share

COinS