Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life among three-year old preschoolers in Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Studies about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children in Vietnam are still limited. This study aimed to examine the OHRQoL of three-year preschool children and identify associated factors. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study in three kindergartens located in a city in the northern province of Vietnam from April to June 2021. A total of 361 children and their parents were enrolled in the study. The PedsQL™ Oral Health Scale was used to measure OHRQoL. Multivariate Tobit regression was used to determine factors associated with OHRQoL of children. Results The mean Oral PedsQOL score was 77.1 (SD = 17.6). Fathers’ high education and using milk daily (Coef. = 6.54, 95%CI = 1.91-11.16) were associated with higher OHRQoL. Meanwhile, a higher number of caries (Coef. = −0.73; 95%CI = −1.23; −0.23), a high frequency of experiencing bleeding gums, egg (Coef. = −5.76, 95%CI = −10.14; −1.38) and sweet food (Coef. = −4.94; 95%CI = −9.05; −0.83) as favorite foods were related to a lower OHRQoL. Children who brushed their teeth twice a day had a lower OHRQoL than those brushing once a day or less (Coef. = −4.40; 95%CI = −8.46; −0.34). Conclusion Preschoolers had moderate OHRQoL. Related factors include parental education, oral health and oral care behavior.