The oral health-related quality of life of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Abstract

A child's oral health impacts their development and quality of life. Children who live with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) face barriers to dental care combined with poorer oral health outcomes. However, how this affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the OHRQoL of children living with FASD. This cross-sectional survey used the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form-19 (COHIP-SF-19) to evaluate the OHRQoL quality of life of children (aged 8 to 15) living with FASD, compared to healthy controls. A total of 332 children (or their caregivers) completed the survey. The survey results showed that children living with FASD reported significantly more untreated dental conditions. The majority of children in the control group experienced a low impact across the majority of COHIP-SF-19 domains. However, children living with FASD experienced significantly higher impact scores related to oral health, functional well-being, and social-emotional well-being. The results demonstrated that children who live with FASD have a poorer OHRQoL. Overall, more investigation is necessary to identify the best ways to improve the OHRQoL of children living with FASD.