Oral health related quality of life and its association with sociodemographic and clinical findings in 3 northern outreach clinics

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Michael H. Walter - , Polyclinic for Dental Prosthetics (Author)
  • John I. Woronuk - , University of Alberta (Author)
  • Han Kuang Tan - , University of Alberta (Author)
  • Ulrike Lenz - , Polyclinic for Dental Prosthetics (Author)
  • Rainer Koch - , Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry (Author)
  • Klaus W. Boening - , Department of Prosthodontics (Author)
  • Yvonne J. Pinchbeck - , University of Alberta (Author)

Abstract

Objective: Aspects of oral health related quality of life (OHQOL) are attracting increased attention in dentistry. Knowledge in this field is limited, especially in terms of significant indicators and predictors of impaired OHQOL. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of various sociodemographic and clinical variables on OHQOL in the setting of outreach clinics in northern Alberta, Canada. Methods: OHQOL was measured with the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-49), administered to adult patients attending 3 dental outreach clinics managed by the University of Alberta. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariable methods. Results: The OHIP-49 scores were comparatively low for a patient sample. After multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis, only gender, missing anterior teeth and need for endodontic treatment remained as significant variables in the final model for impaired OHQOL. Missing anterior teeth (regardless of replacement) had the strongest effect. Subjects with this feature had an approximately 21-fold greater risk of impaired OHQOL relative to those who retained all of their anterior teeth. Conclusions: The clientele of these outreach clinics was generally young but had high treatment needs. OHQOL results can be useful in considering treatment strategies in similar rural environments, but the complexity of this indicator necessitates an individual patient-centred approach in clinical decision-making.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)153-153e
Journal Journal of the Canadian Dental Association : JCDA
Volume73
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2007
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 17355805

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Alberta, Oral health, Rural health services, Socioeconomic factors