Anxiety in young adults with moderate to severe periodontitis: Key influencing factors and tailored nursing education strategies

Moderate to severe periodontitis in young individuals not only impairs oral health but may also trigger significant psychological distress, which remains under-recognized. Although the biological etiology is well established, the psychosocial dynamics and optimal nursing responses remain underexplored. This study investigates the primary factors contributing to anxiety among young patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and proposes optimized nursing education strategies aimed at mitigating psychological burden and enhancing overall treatment outcomes. A retrospective case-control study was conducted involving 29 young patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and 30 healthy controls. Participants underwent periodontal assessments and psychological evaluations using standardized anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS) scales. Demographic and behavioral variables – such as gender, education level, smoking habits, and disease severity – were analyzed for their association with anxiety levels. Patients with periodontitis exhibited significantly greater clinical attachment loss, probing depth, and higher anxiety and depression scores compared to controls ( P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression identified female gender, higher educational attainment, smoking, and disease severity as independent risk factors for psychological anxiety (all P < .05). Young adults with moderate to severe periodontitis are at elevated risk of psychological anxiety, driven by both biological damage and modifiable behavioral and demographic factors. Personalized nursing education programs – emphasizing psychological support, smoking cessation, and targeted counseling – are essential in addressing this dual burden and improving patient care outcomes.