Abstract
Objective: To use qualitative research methods to evaluate the experiences of patients with chronic oral diseases. Material and Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients from the Oral Medicine Unit of Kerman University Dental School. An experienced independent facilitator convened the focus groups and conducted individual interviews in a non-clinical setting. Focus groups were mixed regarding their gender, age, chronic oral mucosal condition, time since diagnosis, and severity. A total of 39 patients participated in the study, including patients with oral lichen planus, pemphigus, recurrent aphthous stomatitis and leukoplakia. Results: Analysis of the interviews revealed that patient views could be divided into the following themes: biopsychosocial issues, treatment limitations and side effects, unpredictability of the conditions and the potential for malignant transformation. Chronic oral mucosal conditions affected patients' daily lives in various areas, from physical health and functioning to concerns about their future. Conclusion: The oral medicine practitioner's role in treating patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases extended beyond active management and symptomatic relief to the management of all aspects of these conditions that affected their daily lives.
Highlights
The oral mucosa's chronic diseases include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, oral soft tissue diseases, oral sores, and lichenoid lesions
A total of 39 patients participated in the study, including patients with oral lichen planus, pemphigus, recurrent aphthous stomatitis and leukoplakia
Material and Methods Study Design. In this qualitative study, interviewing groups were selected from patients referred to the Department of Oral and Dental Diseases of Kerman Dental School, who had chronic oral diseases such as aphthous stomatitis, pemphigus, lichen planus, and leukoplakia
Summary
The oral mucosa's chronic diseases include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, oral soft tissue diseases, oral sores, and lichenoid lesions. These conditions can lead to significant physical effects and social and psychological consequences for patients [1]. Some of these diseases lead to lifethreatening conditions and the chronic conditions of the oral mucosa may affect the patient's everyday life, necessitating long and expensive treatments. Oral and dental disease specialist’s role in treating patients with chronic diseases of the oral mucosa is beyond the active management or symptomatic relief and includes managing the patients and the diseases that affect all the aspects of daily life [3]. Assessment of patients' perception of their health's impact on their daily lives has long been a matter of debate in the medical community [4]
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