Oral health related quality of life - Views of the public in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective This study was designed to determine the United Kingdom public's perception of how oral health affects quality of life (QoL) and to determine socio-demographic variations in these perceptions. Research design The vehicle for this study was the ONS Omnibus Survey in the UK. A random probability sample of 2,668 eligible addresses was selected from the British Postcode Address File. Setting The data were collected by qualitative, face-to-face interviews with respondents, nation-wide, in their homes, about how their oral health status affected their QoL. Participants 1,778 adults aged 16 years or older across the UK took part in the study. Results 75% (1, 340) believed their oral health either enhanced or reduced their QoL. Most frequently, this was perceived as being the result of its effect on eating, comfort and appearance. Other ways in which QoL was affected are also presented. Socio-demographic variations were apparent. For example, people from higher socio-economic backgrounds believed that their oral health enhanced their QoL to a greater degree (OR=1.46, CI=1.20, 1.78) than the lower socio-economic groups. Women claimed that their oral health had a greater negative effect on QoL than did men (OR=1.36, CI=1.11, 1.64). Younger people (16-64 years old) reported that their oral health status reduced and enhanced QoL more than older adults (65 years and over) (OR=1.59, CI=1.23, 2.04). Conclusions The study shows that the UK public perceives oral health as affecting their QoL in a variety of physical, social and psychological ways and that significant socio-demographic variations exist in these perceptions.