Oral health related quality of life after treatment in maxillofacial trauma patients

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the impact of oral and maxillofacial fractures and treatment on the quality of life (QoL) of patients referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department in Malaysia. MethodsThe study involved 40 maxillofacial trauma patients who received treatment at a tertiary care centre in Malaysia. Oral health related QoL was measured using translated and validated Malaysian short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire, also known as S-OHIP(M). It is a self administered questionnaire which covers 7 domains: Functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability and handicap. Patients answered the questionnaire at 3 different timings: Pre-treatment, 1 month post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Data was analysed using independent T-test, one way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. ResultsPreoperative QoL scores were the highest (19.25 ± 10.33) with improvement at one month post-treatment (13.23 ± 8.51) and three months post-treatment (9.90 ± 8.11). Lower S-OHIP(M) scores, was seen in at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment, regardless of fracture sustained and treatment received. All OHIP domains showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). ConclusionSignificant improvement in QoL from pre-operation period to 3 months post operation was seen. Patients showed significant improvement in all OHIP domains. Development of a QoL tool specific to maxillofacial trauma patients can be considered in view of the lack of representation of symptoms within existing tools.