Abstract
Background: Socioeconomic status of patients seeking orthodontic treatment is important in a developing country like India. No public funding is available at a large scale for the treatment of malocclusion. Aim: The aim of the study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no influence of socioeconomic status and family type on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents in central Kerala. Methodology: Four hundred and twenty higher secondary school students aged between 15 and 18 years took part in the study. A previously developed and validated psychometric tool with 20 items was administered. Normative malocclusion features and treatment needs were recorded. Statistical testing using Chi-square and logistic regression to predict the variables that influence OHRQoL was performed. Results: There was a significant association between socioeconomic status of the individuals and OHRQoL at both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Family type also showed a significant relation at bivariate level. Conclusions: The null hypothesis that there is no influence of socioeconomic status and family type on OHRQoL was rejected.
Highlights
Malocclusion is the third most common oral condition after dental caries and periodontal disease
Out of the five variables considered for logistic regression, socioeconomic status, malocclusion presence or absence (OR – 2.61, 95% CI – 1.11–6.12), and dental aesthetic index (DAI) (OR – 0.53, 95% CI – 0.34–0.81) showed significance at both bivariate and multivariate levels (P < 0.05)
The data collected pertaining to central Kerala comprising of Kottayam and Thrissur districts were subjected to analysis owing to the observation of a link between socioeconomic status and family type with oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL)
Summary
Malocclusion is the third most common oral condition after dental caries and periodontal disease. The main reason for seeking orthodontic treatment is to improve esthetics.[1] Anatomic improvement in dental alignment and tooth position achieved by orthodontic treatment is reflected in the psychological and emotional well‐being of patients.[2] This underlines the link between malocclusion and quality of life (QoL). Socioeconomic status of patients seeking orthodontic treatment is important in a developing country like India. Aim: The aim of the study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no influence of socioeconomic status and family type on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents in central Kerala. Results: There was a significant association between socioeconomic status of the individuals and OHRQoL at both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The null hypothesis that there is no influence of socioeconomic status and family type on OHRQoL was rejected
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