Association between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life in subjects affected with spinal cord injuries: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medically complex and life-disrupting condition that carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Dry mouth from xerostomia-causing medications, barriers to dental care access, dependence on others for oral hygiene significantly increase the risk of oral health problems. Hence, this study is contemplated to assess the association between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among SCI patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 55 SCI patients. Data pertaining to the demographic details and socioeconomic status were also recorded through the Modified Kuppuswamy scale, 2016. The oral health status was recorded using the World Health Organization Proforma, 2013, and OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics included computation of percentages, means, and standard deviations. Wilcoxon-signed ranks test was used to compare the association between mean OHIP and oral health status. Results: Forty-five of them had incomplete level of spinal injury and ten had complete level of spinal injury. Incomplete injury patients had higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth, gingival bleeding, and periodontal pocket, OHIP score compared to complete injury patients. The mean OHIP was 16.22. There was a significant association between mean OHIP and oral health status of the study participants (P = 0.000). Discussion and Conclusion: Oral health appears to be compromised in people with SCI. There was a significant association between the oral health status and OHRQoL. Oral health education for patients and caregivers on oral health-care issues should be encouraged and facilitated.