Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroduction: For dental professionals, including orthodontists, Quality of life (QOL) is a topic of growing concern and could be determined by objective and subjective complex factors. Objective: This study analyzed the factors that influence the QOL of orthodontists graduated between 1993 and 2016 of a public university (Medellín, Colombia). Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted (cross-sectional survey; 88 participants; 3 focus groups, 21 participants). Quantitative analysis: the research included sociodemographic, labor and health characteristics as independent variables and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire as main outcome for QOL. Frequencies were calculated and the association between QOL and independent variables was estimated by bivariate analysis (Chi square tests) and a linear multivariate regression. Qualitative analysis: Narrative content analysis according to thematic categories. Mixed methods: a conceptual framework for QOL using the triangulation was developed. Results: All the scores surpassed 55 points on the 4 domains of WHOQOL-BREF. A lower value was found in the physical dimension (57.1±10.7) and a greater value in the psychological dimension (70.8±8.3). The variables associated positively to QOL were permanent contract, teaching/research activities, monthly income, resting days per week and sex. Factors associated negatively were low social support, mental health and rent housing. Discourses of participants allowed to identify the concept of QOL and the contextual and social determinants and satisfiers. Conclusion: QOL of orthodontists is influenced by sociodemographic, employment, working and health factors. Therefore, QOL is a multidimensional concept that recognizes the political and socio-economic context and personal and professional experiences.
Highlights
For dental professionals, including orthodontists, Quality of life (QOL) is a topic of growing concern and could be determined by objective and subjective complex factors
The median scores for QOL according to the WHOQOL-BREF were over 50, with the best score in the psychological dimension (Me= 71; IQR= 8) and the worst score in the physical dimension (Me= 57; IQR= 11). 66% practice sports; 14% perceived poor general health, 23% poor mental health and the social support is considered as low in 6% of cases
A negative statistically significant correlations was found in case of years of graduation as orthodontist and the social dimension
Summary
For dental professionals, including orthodontists, Quality of life (QOL) is a topic of growing concern and could be determined by objective and subjective complex factors. Quality of life (QOL) is a broad concept that is affected by objective and subjective factors such as physical health, psychological status, level of independence, social support, personal beliefs and the environment.[1,2] The multidimensional connotation of QOL has been studied in diverse population groups and is recognized as a dynamic process, because of the factors that can influence over the time.[2,3,4,5] According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its Human Development Report (2018), Colombia has a high Human Development Index of 0.777 (on a scale of 0 to 1), ranking 90th worldwide.[6] in Medellin (the second largest city in the country), the municipal government carried out the multidimensional index of living conditions, and the perception of QOL in the region is 0.653 (valuesclose to 1 indicate a better situation).[7]. They are exposed to a number of occupational diseases, and they are vulnerable to multiple hazards: ergonomic, physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial.[10,11] In addition, they have a lot of necessities for education and training in order to offer update knowledge and technology to keep up with patients’ increasing demand. 8-10
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
