Assessment of Oral and Dental Health Habits and Quality of Life of Individuals with Severe Mental Illnesses

Abstract

Background: Oral and dental health is an important part of health care. Because, besides the individual's eating, speaking, physical illness, many personal, social and psychological aspects of life affect the quality of life of individuals. It is known that individuals with chronic mental illness have more oral and dental health problems than the normal population. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral and dental health habits and oral health quality of life of individuals with severe mental illness. Methods: This research is of descriptive type. The sample of the study consisted of 67 individuals with severe mental illnesses selected by purposeful sampling method. "Personal Information Form" and "Oral Health Impact Profile Scale (OHIP-14-TR)" were used to collect the data of the study. Results: As a result of the study, it was found that patients have insufficient habits towards oral and dental health, the total average score of oral health quality of life was 22.34 ± 8.81, and the DMFT index was 5.13 ± 4.19. Conclusion: As a result, it can be said that the oral health quality of life and habits of individuals with severe mental diseases are not at a sufficient level.