Oral Health Related Quality of Life in an Adult Jamaican Population

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic characteristics, oral health status and behaviours on Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on an adult Jamaican population. Methods Adults who presented for treatment at the UWI Mona Dental Polyclinic participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants responded to a structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic and oral hygiene habits and were also examined for the presence of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis, univariate and multiple Poisson Regression with robust variance were performed to identify the factors impacting OHRQoL. Results The study sample consisted of 120 adults between the ages of 18-59 years. The mean OHIP-14 score was 9.81 (±9.06), 24% presented impaired OHRQoL and 76% presented frequent impaired OHRQoL. The most prevalent domain was physical pain (80%) followed by psychological discomfort (59%) and the mean DMFT score was 9.92 (±8.78). In the adjusted logistic regression, participants aged between 29-46 years (PR 0.58, CI 0.37-0.90, p= 0.016) and the use of fluoride toothpaste (PR 0.52, 95%, CI 0.35- 0.77, p = 0.001) were negatively associated with OHRQoL. Conclusion Physical pain was the dimension that most impacted domain in OHRQoL. The most negative OHRQoL was associated with the 29 to 46 years age-group and the use of fluoride toothpaste. These findings are important for oral health strategies in this population.