Key Points
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National study of the impact of oral health on the quality of life.
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The majority of the British public perceived their oral health as affecting their life quality.
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Age and gender norms for the OHQoL-UK© are presented
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Age, social class and number of teeth appear to be key factors influencing the impact oral health status has on life quality.
Abstract
Objectives The aims of this study were to establish normative age-gender values for the UK oral health related quality of life measure (OHQoL-UK©) in Britain and to provide a local reference for its interpretation. In addition, to identify key factors associated with oral health related quality of life in the UK.
Materials and methods A national survey conducted with the assistance of the Office for National Statistics involving a random probability sample of 2,718 households. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured using the 16 item OHQoL-UK measure.
Results The response rate was 68% (1,838/2,718). The majority (75%, 1,378/1,838) perceived their oral health as affecting their life quality and did so across a wide range of domains. Age-gender norm values are presented. Variations in OHQoL-UK scores were apparent in relation to socio-demographics: age (P < 0.05), social class (P < 0.01), and self-reported oral health status: number of teeth possessed (P < 0.01).
Conclusions The impact of oral health on the life quality of Britons was substantial, in both positive and negative ways and associated with socio-demographic and oral health (self-reported) factors. National norm values presented should provide a reference source for meaningful interpretation of similar data and local studies.
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McGrath, C., Bedi, R. Population based norming of the UK oral health related quality of life measure (OHQoL-UK©). Br Dent J 193, 521–524 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801616
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801616
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