Abstract

Background and Objectives: Oral diseases are known to negatively impact physical, functional, and emotional well-being, and thus adversely affect quality of life. The aims of the study were (1) to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and (2) to explore socio-demographic, -economic, and -environmental factors that are associated with OHRQoL among a sample of children aged 11–14 in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ)—a self-administered, validated, and standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on OHRQoL in four domains: oral symptoms, functional limitations, and emotional and social well-being. In addition, data were collected on home environment, socioeconomic/demographic characteristics, and oral hygiene practices of participants and their parents or adult guardians. Univariate descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney tests were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 Software. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: In total, 534 children participated in the study (91% response rate), of which 60% were females. Twenty percent of children described their oral health as “poor” and one in every four children reported that their oral health had at least some effect on their overall well-being. Children who were male, attending public schools, and living with both parents were more likely to report poor OHRQoL. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of children aged 11–14 could discern that their oral health had some effect on their overall well-being. The results identified potential predictors of OHRQoL. Disparities in OHRQoL exist among certain sub-populations. Active efforts and local interventions are necessary to improve OHRQoL.

Highlights

  • Oral health is a well-known global public health concern

  • This study described the predictors of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the perceived impact of oral health on overall well-being of a population-based sample of children and adolescents

  • Attention to boys’ and parental oral health should be taken into consideration when designing interventions to enhance oral health

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Summary

Introduction

Oral health is a well-known global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 60–90% of all school-age children are affected by oral health diseases most commonly untreated dental caries [1]. Multidimensional in its approach, OHRQoL is a subjective, self-reported evaluation based on functional, psychosocial, and economic parameters that impact the individuals’ overall quality of life [2]. The Wilson Clearly conceptual model has been applied as a framework for OHRQoL; linking clinical, non-clinical, individual, and environmental characteristics (including socio-economic factors) with health-related quality of life [4]. Oral diseases are known to negatively impact physical, functional, and emotional well-being, and adversely affect quality of life. The aims of the study were (1) to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and (2) to explore socio-demographic, -economic, and -environmental factors that are associated with OHRQoL among a sample of children aged 11–14 in Saudi Arabia. Results: In total, 534 children participated in the study (91% response rate), of which 60% were females

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