Measuring the impact of oral health on quality of life in Britain using OHQoL-UK(W)

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQoL) in Britain and identified disparities in OHQoL among subgroups of the population.

Methods: A national survey involved a random probability sample of 2,667 households. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status and sociodemographic information was collected. The impact of oral health on life quality was measured utilizing the OHQoL-UK(W).

Results: The response rate was 68 percent. Most people in Britain (73%) claimed their oral health did affect their life quality, most frequently through physical influences rather than social or psychological. Disparities in perceived influences of oral health on life quality among subgroups of the population were apparent by age, sex, and social class; OHQoL also was influenced by oral health status (self-reported).

Conclusion: Most Britons claim their oral health affects their life quality and OHQoL was associated with sociodemographic and oral health factors.