Sociodemographic and Behavioural Factors Affecting the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life as Measured with the Child-OIDP Index in Adolescents

Abstract

Environmental factors modulate oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this study was to analyse sociodemographic and behavioural factors affecting the OHRQoL in Spanish adolescents, by using the Child-OIDP (Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) index. Across-sectional study was conducted in 337 adolescent schoolchildren aged 13–15 years. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, behavioural and oral self-perception factors was administered with the Child-OIDP questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests, as well as a regression model were used in the data analysis. The overall mean Child-OIDP index was 3.28±6.55. It was statistically significantly higher in females than in males (p 0.001). Mothers having a managerial job showed statistical association with worse OHRQoL (p 0.001). Caries experience and history of dental trauma were not associated with the oral-health-related quality of life (p > 0.05). Halitosis statistically significantly affected the activities of daily living (p 0.001). Perceived dental problems, dental treatment needs, self-assessment of oral health status and satisfaction with oral health were associated with the impact index (p 0.05).