Prevalence of xerostomia in Hong Kong

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To obtain data on the prevalence and severity of xerostomia in Hong Kong and to compare the dental conditions and oral health-related quality of life between xerostomics and non-xerostomics. METHOD: Adult Chinese subjects attending a University Dental Hospital were recruited. The main measures were complaint of xerostomia (measured with a single question) and its severity (in 6 items using VAS and the Xerostomia Inventory, XI), and oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measured using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Clinical data regarding level of oral hygiene and caries experience were collected. Demographic data regarding age, gender, smoking habit, and perceived general and dental health were recorded. RESULT: 217 adult Chinese subjects (94 males, 123 females, mean age=45.1) participated. 91 subjects (41.7%) reported xerostomia. Xerostomics were older (p<0.05) and had higher XI and OHIP scores (p<0.005) than non-xerostomics but there was no gender difference. Xerostomics reported more severe symptoms in dryness of the mouth, lip and mucosa and difficulty in eating and speaking (p<0.05), and poorer perceived general and mucosal health (p<0.01). No difference was found in the level of oral hygiene, caries experience and smoking habit between xerostomics and non-xerostomics. There was a strong association between xerostomia and OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of xerostomia was high in Hong Kong. Xerostomia appears to have marked effects on OHRQoL of the xerostomics.