Oral impacts on daily performance in Turkish adults attending a dental school.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) in Turkish adults attending a dental school by using Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) inventory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 1324 patients. A modified questionnaire including sociodemographic information, questions about OHRQOL and OIDP inventory was prepared. The questions consisted of reasons and frequency for dental attendance, self-reported oral health status of the participants and number of natural teeth was recorded.

RESULTS

The rates of participants experienced at least one OIDP impact was 65.2% and eating was the most affected item (41.6%). There was statistically significant difference between number of missing teeth-self reported oral health status, number of missing teeth-sociodemographic factors for the participants who reported at least one OIDP impact.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that OHRQOL of Turkish adults attending a dental school is affected several factors including sociodemographic factors, regular dental visit and number of missing teeth similarly other societies.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

OIDP inventory assesses impacts of oral health conditions that affect daily activities of an individual and is commonly used as OHRQOL indicator. Also, it is important self-report information of patients about changing their oral conditions and affecting daily life for the clinicians. There is insufficient data for OIDP inventory of Turkish dental patients. OHRQOL of Turkish adults was evaluated by using OIDP inventory in this study. The scale was found as a valid and reliable instrument for Turkish dental patients and was determined the relationships between this scale and several parameters.