Oral health-related quality of life after stroke

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impacts of stroke on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in stroke sufferers over time. Methods: 81 stroke sufferers completed assessments at three time points: during the acute stroke phase, on hospital discharge after rehabilitation and six months after hospital discharge. OHRQoL were investigated using the Medical Outcomes Short Form 12 (SF-12) measure and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Results: Significant improvements were observed in median SF-12 physical component summary scores (PCS) and GOHAI scores over time (P<0.05). However, PCS and GOHAI scores at six months follow-up were still poorer than that of the comparison group (P<0.01). Functional status significantly improved for stroke sufferers over time (P<0.01) but were still poorer than that of the comparison group at six months after hospital discharge (P<0.01). Functional status was associated with SF-12 scores (P<0.05). Conclusion:Stroke had a prolonged adverse impact on OHRQoL and functional status although some improvements occurred over time.