Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Brazilian Adolescents

ABSTRACT

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of oral health on the quality of life of adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed with students from public and private schools from Passo Fundo, Brazil. All students were aged between 15 and 19 years old. The proportional random sample consisted of 736 adolescents from 20 schools. A structured questionnaire was applied, and an oral examination was performed, counting the number of teeth. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed by OHIP-14. Associations between quality of life and associated factors were analyzed. The mean OHIP-14 score was 7.25. Age, ethnicity and studying in a public school were associated to the OHIP-14 score. Tooth loss (p=0.79) was not associated with quality of life. Additionally, questions related to appearance, such as whether teeth appearance bothers the adolescent (p=0.68) were not associated with quality of life. Attending a public school (OR=1.63; CI95% 0.98-2.70) and self-reported halitosis (OR=1.48; CI95% 1.01-2.16) were strongly associated to higher impact on quality of life. It was concluded that socioeconomic conditions and halitosis were associated to higher impact on quality of life of adolescents

RESUMO

Resumo Esse estudo objetivou verificar o impacto da saúde bucal na qualidade de vida de adolescentes. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com estudantes de escolas públicas e privadas da cidade de Passo Fundo, Brasil. Todos os estudantes tinham idades entre 15 e 19 anos. Uma amostragem proporcional randômica consistiu em 736 adolescentes de 20 escolas. Um questionário estruturado foi aplicado e exames da cavidade oral foram realizados, contando-se o número de dentes presentes. Qualidade de vida associada à saúde bucal foi verificada pelo OHIP-14. Associações entre qualidade de vida e fatores associados foram analisadas. A média do OHIP-14 foi 7,25. Idade, etnia e estudar em escola pública estiveram associados com escores do OHIP-14. Perda dentária (p=0,79) não esteve associada com qualidade de vida. Além disso, questões relacionadas com a aparência, como, por exemplo, se a aparência do dente incomoda o adolescente (p=0,68), não estiveram associadas com qualidade de vida. Frequentar uma escola pública (OR=1,63; IC95% 0,98 - 2,70) e halitose autorreportada (OR= 1,48; IC95% 1,01 - 2,16) estiveram fortemente associadas com altos impactos na qualidade de vida. Concluiu-se que condições socioeconômicas e halitose estão associadas com altos impactos na qualidade de vida de adolescentes.