The impact of self-perceived oral health-related quality of life among drug rehabilitation patients

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the self-perceived oral-health related quality of life among drug rehabilitation patients. It aimed to assess if OHRQoL exerted any influence on their quality of life. At the same time, the barriers to dental care were addressed. Methodology: This cross-sectional study on the self-perceived OHRQoL involved three questionnaires that were disseminated to the consenting participants in different drug rehabilitation programmes in Malta. These questionnaires included the basic demographic and two OHRQoL questionnaires, OHIP-14 and GOHAI. Data generated was statistically analysed and inferences were made. Further to this, participants were given an open-ended question for comments. Results: 67 questionnaire sets were returned. The data indicated that the current substance use disorder population in drug rehabilitation programmes have a low OHRQoL that is, a negative impact of their oral health on their quality of life. Majority of global OHIP-14 and GOHAI scores overall did not reach statistical significance likely due to the small sample size. However, statistically significant associations emerged for OHIP-14 total and gender (p=0.05), GOHAI psychosocial domain versus smoking (p=0.038), GOHAI pain and missing teeth (p=0.05). Significant associations were also detected between OHIP-14 total (p=0.05), OHIP-14 psychosocial (p=0.022) and GOHAI psychosocial (p=0.05) and improve own oral health. The participants appreciate the importance of oral health and exhibit an overall positive attitude towards it. Conclusion: The research shows that their oral health affects their quality of life. Based on the data collected and the comments left by the participants, this cohort of patients would welcome a greater engagement from the dental community. The participants very much appreciated that they were reached out to in order to collect information on their self-perceived oral health status. Going forward, this can help to break down barriers to oral health care and positively impact their quality of lives, bringing this ostracized stratum of society back into its fold.