ASSESSING ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS' AT FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL ENUGU, NIGERIA.

Oral health serves as a gateway to overall physical and psychological well-being, influencing various aspects of life including appearance, speech, chewing ability, growth, enjoyment, taste perception, and social interaction. Mental illness is intricately linked with physical health, and the concepts of oral health and mental health are inseparable. Individuals living with mental illness often experience cognitive impairments that can lead to lower prioritization of both physical and oral hygiene, resulting in oral health issues. This study aimed to assess the specific oral health problems faced by psychiatric patients. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, the study examined sixty-two inpatients admitted at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu. There was no sample size and sampling technique because the population was small and manageable. The majority of patients were male (54.84%), with the most common age group being 25-30 years old (23.73%). Schizophrenia was the most prevalent diagnosis among patients (60%), followed by substance use disorder (28.26%). The most common oral health problems observed were dental calculus (78.81%), dental caries (70.97%), and gingivitis (33.87%). Patients identified poor brushing habits as the leading cause of oral health problems (56.5%), with the majority reporting brushing only once a day (79.03%). The study found a significant relationship between oral health problems and psychiatric diagnosis (χ^2=28.369). Recommendations include fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychiatrists, and dental professionals, to address the oral health needs of psychiatric patients. In conclusion, the study emphasized that oral health problems are prevalent among psychiatric patients due to cognitive impairments, highlighting the importance of integrated healthcare approaches in addressing their unique oral health challenges.