Abstract
<jats:p>One of the leading factors in the combat capability of the army is the state of health of its personnel, particularly dental health. Psychoemotional disorders and chronic stress lead to psychosomatic changes and behavioral disturbances, including non-adherence to oral hygiene, harmful habits, and changes in dietary patterns. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of perceived stress and evaluate the oral hygiene status in servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The study involved 235 servicemen who were combatants. Psychoemotional status was assessed using: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) by C.D. Spielberger-Yu.L. Khanin, the Brief Anxiety, Depression and PTSD Scale, and the Primary Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Based on the psychoemotional assessment results, 122 individuals were selected for the subsequent stages of the study. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using the OHI-S index (Green & Vermillion, 1964) and the Fedorov-Volodkina index. Among the interviewed military servicemen, a medium level (43,40 %) was prevalent, and a high level (33,62 %) of state anxiety was noted, indicating a high intensity of emotional experiences. A high level of personal anxiety was found in 21,70 % of individuals. Analysis of the screening scales showed that 51,91 % of servicemen had pronounced psychic manifestations of anxiety and depression, and 52,76 % (124 people) showed signs related to psychological trauma (PTSD). Clinical examination of the hygiene status established that the hygiene level in 82,79 % of military servicemen required correction, distributed as follows: "satisfactory" – 28,69 % (35 people), "unsatisfactory" – 31,15 % (38 people), and "poor" – 22,95 % (28 people). The low level of oral hygiene found in most military personnel (over 82 % have satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or poor oral health) is not only a consequence of the limitations of military life, but also a direct reflection of the psychosomatic link and behavioral changes caused by chronic stress. The obtained data, demonstrating the prevalence of moderate and high levels of situational anxiety and a high percentage of military personnel with positive screening for PTSD symptoms (52,76 %), confirm that military activity in combat conditions is a powerful traumatic factor. It is precisely the subjective perception of events as threatening and uncontrollable that initiates a cascade of physiological reactions that affect somatic systems. The obtained results highlight that poor oral hygiene among military personnel is not only a dental problem but also a marker of psychological disorder. The existence of a connection between stress levels (anxiety, signs of PTSD) and the hygiene status (high OHI-S index scores) points to the need for special military medical support programs for military personnel. A direct link has been established between elevated anxiety and depression scores and a significant reduction in the level of oral hygiene in the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The systemic influence of chronic stress and the specific conditions of military service lead to changes in oral care practices among servicemen. The study results confirm that with elevated anxiety and depression scores, a significant decrease in oral hygiene levels is observed. This tendency contributes to the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases or the exacerbation of their chronic forms.</jats:p>