Open AccessAerodontalgia among Airline Pilots of India: A Cross-sectional Survey
Author(s) -
Sabreen Gujral,
S. Chopra,
Shveta Sood,
Naresh Sharma,
Ashish Kumar Singh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2021/48706.15314
Subject(s) - medicine , statistical significance , demography , incidence (geometry) , cross sectional study , mathematics , geometry , pathology , sociology
Barometric pressure-induced dental pain is a clinical entity elicited by atmospheric changes in pressure. Barodontalgia (also known as aerodontalgia) among pilots is of marked interest as it can be a potential flight safety hazard and compromise the personnel’s operational capability and performance. Due to its overlapping signs and symptoms, it may also remain unnoticed and represent itself during a pressure change which may be during ascend or descend of flight. Aim: To assess presence of barodontalgia and awareness of the phenomenon among commercial pilots based in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2020 using self-reported questionnaire submitted via Google forms (Alphabet, Mountain view, CA, USA) among 410 pilots based in India. It consisted of questions inquiring about the occurrence, localisation, intensity and recurrence of in- flight dental pain. Inferential statistics were performed using Chi- square test, One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Independent t-test. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 370 pilots responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 90.24%. The incidence was reported among 10.54% (n=39) pilots although 42.7% (n=158) lacked awareness regarding the same. Only a single case of recurrence of pain was reported while none reported any risk to flight safety or accident, secondary to barodontalgia. Conclusion: The incidence level of barodontalgia among commercial pilots in India is low. However, the lack of awareness is still an unsettling risk and was not found to be of significant difference when compared on the basis of gender and work experience.