Original scientific paper
The Impact of Chronic Periodontitis on Quality of Life in Brazilian Subjects
Manuela Wanderley Ferreira Lopes
; Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
Estela Santos Gusmao
; Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
Renato de Vasconcelos Alves
; Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
Renata Cimões
; Department of Prosthesis and Oral and Facial Surgery, Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
Abstract
Aim: A number of quality of life indexes have been used in studies on the impact of oral health on the quality of life. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between periodontitis and quality of life in a convenience sample of patients with periodontitis. Material and Method: Three hundred two patients diagnosed with mild, moderate and severe chronic periodontitis responded to a questionnaire drafted to evaluate socioeconomic variables (age, gender, schooling, marital status and income) and to the United Kingdom Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHQoL-UK) index to assess the impact of periodontitis on the quality of life.
Results: There was considerable impact from periodontitis on the quality of life, with statistically significant differences recorded for eating, appearance, general health, smiling and socioeconomic status. OHQoL-UK scores were associated to gender and household income (p<0.05). A statistically significant association was found between the degree of periodontitis and OHQoL-UK scores (p<0.05), with lower levels of quality of life more prevalent among individuals with severe chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: The present study on the impact of periodontitis on the quality of life revealed that negative aspects were more prevalent among individuals with severe chronic periodontitis, demonstrating the self-perception of patients regarding the health of periodontal tissues.
Keywords
Oral health; Quality of life; Periodontal diseases: Periodontitis
Hrčak ID:
39397
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2009.
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