Association between general and oral health-related quality of life in patients treated for oral cancer

Linking patient-reported oral and general health-related quality of life

Background

The relationship between oral and overall health is of interest to health care professionals and patients alike. This study investigated the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general adult population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of adult participants (N = 607) attending the 2022 Minnesota County and State fairs in USA, the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) assessed OHRQoL, and the 10-item PROMIS v.1.2 Global Health Instrument assessed HRQoL. Spearman and Pearson correlations were used to summarize the bivariable relationship between OHRQoL and HRQoL (both physical and mental health dimensions). A structural equation model determined OHRQoL-HRQoL correlations (r). Correlations' magnitude was interpreted according to Cohen's guidelines (r = 0.10, 0.30, and 0.50 to demarcate "small," "medium," and "large" effects, respectively).

Results

OHRQoL and HRQoL correlated with r = 0.52 (95% confidence interval, CI: [0.50-0.55]), indicating that the two constructs shared 27% of their information. According to Cohen, this was a "large" effect. OHRQoL, and the physical and mental HRQoL dimensions correlated with r = 0.55 (95% CI: [0.50-0.59]) and r = 0.43 (95% CI: [0.40-0.46]), respectively, indicating a "large" and a "medium" effect. OHRQoL and HRQoL were substantially correlated in an adult population.

Conclusion

Using OHIP-5 to assess their dental patients' oral health impact allows dental professionals to gain insights into patients' overall health-related wellbeing.

Oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing cancer treatment

Introduction

Cancer is considered a major public health problem worldwide and may have an important impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Thus, the present study aimed to assess OHRQoL in Brazilian patients aged 3 to 21 years undergoing cancer treatment.

Materials and Methods

In total, 121 patients receiving cancer treatment and 363 healthy individuals (control group) were evaluated. OHRQoL was assessed using an age-specific questionnaire, that is, the Brazilian versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 11-14-short version, the CPQ 8-10-short version, and the short-form of Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire-14 (OHIP-14).

Results

Individuals from the control group who were evaluated by the ECOHIS presented more impact on the OHRQoL regarding the psychological and family function score, as well as those evaluated by CPQ 8-10, who presented more impact in general. However, considering CPQ 11-14, cancer patients had their OHRQoL more affected, as shown in both the total questionnaire score and oral symptoms score.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this Brazilian study, cancer treatment seems to be associated with decreased OHRQoL only in patients aged between 11 and 14 years. However, children without cancer aged between 8 and 10 years seem to experience worse OHRQoL.

Oral health-related quality of life in oral cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of oral health on quality of life in oral cancer patients (OCPs). Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for publications on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in OCP and the information was extracted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random effect model was used to obtain the pooled standard mean differences of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire responses in meta-analysis. Results: total of 12 research papers were analyzed and revealed poor OHRQoL in OCPs (standard mean difference: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.55-3.50; p < 0.00001) compared with healthy individuals due to the effects of oncotherapy. Moreover, OHRQoL deteriorated with combinations of different treatment modalities. Conclusion: Oral health and oncotherapy can affect the quality of life in OCPs.

Health-related quality of life among oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients: An exploratory study

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively explore the effect of several sociodemographic-, patient- and tumour-related factors on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients.

METHODOLOGY

Patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers were included in the present cross-sectional study. Information pertaining to various sociodemographic-, patient- and tumour-related factors was recorded. HRQoL was assessed using standard 12-item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF12V2), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP).

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients participated in the present study. Results revealed that nodal metastasis, histological differentiation and pain were significant predictors of OHRQoL, while site, size, stage, histological differentiation and pain were significant predictors of HRQoL. Pain was the single most significant negative determinant of HRQoL that was associated with worst total OHIP (B = 2.01, β = 0.45, p < .0001), physical (B = -0.88, β = -0.21, p = .017) and mental (B = -1.00, β = -0.22, p = .016) component summary scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of sociodemographic-, patient- and tumour-related factors emerged as significant predictors of HRQoL and OHRQoL. Study results might help in formulating targeted treatment plan, optimising patient care and follow-up.

Oral and general health-related quality of life in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients- comparative analysis of different treatment regims

Background

Modern aggressive oncological treatment options for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are inevitably associated with impaired general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral HRQoL (OHRQoL). However, there is dire need for prospective and concomitant assessment of HRQoL and OHRQoL after different treatment regims. Hence, present study was designed to investigate HRQoL and OHRQoL in patients treated for OSCC using various modalities.

Methods

135 OSCC patients were grouped according to treatment rendered into Group A: surgery only; Group B: post-surgical radiotherapy (PRT); and Group C: post-surgical chemo-radiation (PCRT). The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) were intervened to assess HRQoL and OHRQoL respectively at 1-month and 6-months post-treatment.

Results

At 1-month post-treatment, patients who received PCRT showed significantly lower mean values for physical and mental domains of SF-12 and higher mean subscales and overall OHIP-14 (24.57 ​± ​2.62) score than those treated by surgery alone (10.55 ​± ​2.26) and PRT (20.20 ​± ​3.80), with largest differences between PCRT and surgery alone groups (p ​< ​0.001). Social functioning, general health and bodily pain of SF-12 and functional limitations, physical pain and physical disability amongst OHIP-14 domains were greatly affected. Although few physical domains of SF-12 showed significant improvement, mental domains remained a greater problem after 6 months. However, OHRQoL was significantly poor in all the three study groups (p ​< ​0.001).

Conclusion

Irrespective of the post-treatment duration, patients who received PCRT had worse HRQoL and OHRQoL. There is a need to identify factors associated with impaired HRQoL and OHRQoL to customize better therapeutic decisions.

Does oral health-related quality of life of patients after solid organ transplantation indicate a response shift? Results of a systematic review

Background

The physical oral health and dental behaviour of patients after solid organ transplantation (SOT) has repeatedly been reported as insufficient. The objective of this systematic review was to detect whether the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients after SOT is reduced compared to that of healthy individuals.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed by two independent individuals based on the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases by using the following search terms: “transplantation” AND “oral health-related quality of life”. The findings were checked to determine eligibility, whereby publication prior to 31 October 2020, examination of adult patients (age at least 18 years) with SOT, reporting of an OHRQoL outcome and full text in English language were the prerequisites for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. Quality appraisal of the included studies was performed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality methodology checklist.

Results

Seven of 25 studies that examined patients after kidney (3), heart (2), liver (1) and lung transplantation (1) were included. Four studies included healthy controls, and five studies included a cohort of patients before transplantation for comparison. Clinical oral health examinations were heterogeneous between groups. The majority of studies (5/7) applied the short form of the “Oral Health Impact Profile” (OHIP 14) to assess OHRQoL. The OHIP 14 values ranged between 1.7 and 8.9 across studies, indicating an unaffected or just slightly reduced OHRQoL. Only one study found better OHRQoL in patients after SOT compared to a group before SOT, and one study confirmed worse OHRQoL of SOT recipients compared to a healthy control. Only two studies revealed an association between OHRQoL and oral health parameters. Furthermore, two studies each found a relationship between OHRQoL and general health-related quality of life or disease-related parameters.

Conclusions

Patients after SOT show an unaffected or only slightly reduced OHRQoL, which was mainly independent of the insufficient oral status. This might indicate a shift in the perception threshold for oral diseases and conditions caused by the general health burden related to the SOT.

Validation of a Novel 'Supportive Oral Care Protocol' (SOCP), a Model for Care in Head and Neck Cancer Patients at Tertiary Cancer Centre in India

India has a huge burden of head and neck cancer and specifically oral cancer. Supportive oral care is not a standard of care in our population and is often neglected. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for such care in India which could be followed. The aim of this study is to validate a novel institutional supportive oral care protocol (SOCP) for head and neck cancer patients. This protocol is specific to our population developed for head and neck/dental oncology experts working in cancer centres to provide comprehensive care. This is a cross-sectional validity study. Fifteen dental oncology experts working in cancer centres/hospitals across India and six oncology experts from our centre were enrolled. All experts provided their inputs on 41 points of the SOCP. The data was analysed for item validity, content validity index and inter-rater agreement. The statistical analyses used were kappa measure for inter-rater agreement and content validity index for item-wise agreement. Out of 861 responses from all the reviewers, 91% agreed, 8.4% agreed with modification and 0.6% disagreed. The content validity index and agreement between reviewers ranged from 0.9 to 1 for kappa measure. The SOCP of our institution was shown to be a valid protocol. SOCP addresses oral and dental supportive care and rehabilitation as part of overall comprehensive care for head and neck cancer patients in our population.

Quality of life among Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD) patients: A prospective study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life among the Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD) patients during diagnosis, at one month and 3 months after intervention (surgical or conservative).

Methods

The University of Washington Quality of Life version (4UWQOL v4) and World Health Organization (WHO-BREF) were repeatedly administered on 54 OPMD patients.

Results

The results of Friedman's ANOVA showed a statistically significant change in the mean scores for pain, activity, speech, shoulder, taste, saliva, mood, and anxiety domains of UWQOL with time, (p-value <0.05); while physical health, social relationships, environment domains of WHO- BREF have shown significant changes in their respective mean scores.

Conclusion

The assessment of Quality of Life (QOL) should routinely be done by the clinicians. If the clinicians start considering the QOL as the primary outcome of a treatment protocol, it will enhance patients' identity, well-being, and personality.

Photobiomodulation reduces the impact of radiotherapy on oral health-related quality of life due to mucositis-related symptoms in head and neck cancer patients

To assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT), using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis (OM) Symptoms Scale (PROMS), and to correlate OM degree with the PROMS and OHIP-14 scores. Forty-eight patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer were randomly assigned into two groups: PBMT group (n = 25)-daily PBMT associated with a preventive oral care program (POCP); and control group (n = 23)-receiving POCP exclusively. OHRQoL was assessed using the PROMS and OHIP-14 questionnaires. OM degrees were classified according to the World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute scales. Assessments were performed at the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. PBMT was effective in preventing and treating severe OM. Both groups showed increased OHRQoL impacts throughout the RT sessions; however, higher impacts were observed in the control group, mainly at the final stage of treatment (21st and 30th RT sessions). Significant correlations were found between the severity of OM and PROMS scores in the total sample and the control group at all RT periods. PROMS and OM scores were positive correlated at 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions in the control group, suggesting that this instrument is useful in classifying OM. PBMT was effective in treating and preventing severe OM and OM-related symptoms, and with consequent positive impacts in OHRQoL in head and neck patients undergoing RT. The PROMS scale was helpful instrument for assessment of the severity of OM. Brazilian Clinical Trials database (ReBEC - RBR-5h4y4n), registered in Aug, 24th 2017.

Smoking, general and oral health related quality of life - a comparative study from Nepal

Background

Perceived dental health has shown to have a significant predictive effect on overall health perception and life satisfaction. Thus, it seems plausible that Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measures are associated with Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) dimensions in Nepalese context as well. The adverse effects of tobacco on oral health are reported worldwide including Nepal. However, evidence which can quantify effects of tobacco smoking on dental health perception is limited. Thus, a study was designed to find association of smoking and socio demographic characteristics with OHRQOl and to determine association between OHRQOL and HRQOL among dental patients in Nepal.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among 125 current smokers and 125 non-smokers who attended oral surgery OPD of a teaching hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. The study participants were enrolled through consecutive sampling and data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco history, Oral Health Impacts Profile (OHIP)-14 and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL-Bref) to assess OHRQOl and HRQOL respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated by using SPSS version 18.0. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

Among the socio demographic characteristics, patients with education of more than Class 12 had significantly higher average OHRQOL scores (p = 0.013) compared to illiterate patients. Current smokers reported significantly poorer scores in sub scales of psychological disability (p = 0.001), social disability (p = 0.003), physical pain (p < 0.001), functional limitation (p = 0.007) and also overall perceived oral health compared to nonsmokers. OHRQOL was significantly correlated with overall HRQOL in physical (p = 0.015) and psychological (p = 0.04) domains in this study sample.

Conclusions

Improvements in OHRQOL may require a multidimensional approach with focus of social factors like education and behavioral factors like cigarette smoking. Also, improvement in OHRQOL might also lead to betterment of perceived overall health as they are interlinked.

Protection of wear resistance behaviour of enamel against electron beam irradiation

Introduction

Irradiation is known to cause oxidation process among the tissue-altering the properties of teeth leading to tissue necrosis and caries formation. Hence protection of the oral cavity is a major concern to deal with therapy side effects.

Aim

Evaluation of wear resistance property of Enamel against electron beam radiation and analysing the radio protective effects of natural organic compounds.

Materials and methods

Total of 36 healthy extracted human molar teeth were collected, four samples were used as control, and remaining 32 were divided into four groups (N = 8 each): radiation control group and three groups treated with organic compounds during radiation treatment. The enamel samples were tested for FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, SEM and EDAX analysis before and after 70 Gy radiation treatment.

Results and discussion

The particle size of radiation control samples had increased showing decrease in its crystallinity index. Calcium to Phosphorous ratio had also decreased along with structural changes as observed by SEM analysis. But groups treated with organic compounds has maintained tooth integrity in comparable to control groups after radiation treatment.

Conclusion

Virgin coconut oil, vitamin E oil and curcumin has potential radioprotective action against radiation in protecting tissue properties. Hence, with further advanced research, these natural substances should emerge as a topical applicator during radiotherapy to oral cancer patients.

Assessing a conceptual model with both oral health and health related quality of life in community-dwelling elders

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to test a hypothesized conceptual model for both the clinical and non-clinical status of oral health and health related quality of life (OHRQoL & HRQoL) among community-dwelling elders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study participants (n = 517), who were recruited as part of a Taiwanese elderly community survey, were collected via dental examinations and questionnaires. We collected measures of clinical variables, self-reported symptom status, OHRQoL, nutritional status and HRQoL. The 517 participants were randomly assigned to one of two samples, to provide one training sample for estimation and one testing sample for validation. The path analysis with all observed variables was conducted based on the proposed theoretical model delineating pathways.

RESULTS

All of the direct pathways hypothesized by the model were significant. Functional status (OHRQoL measured by OHIP-14T) mediated clinical occlusion, and symptom status mediated nutritional status (MNA) and HRQoL (WHOQOL-BREF). The model accounted for 29% of the variance in HRQoL and demonstrated a good fit with the data.

CONCLUSIONS

This conceptual model suggests that OHRQoL, as an important mediator, links clinical conditions, symptom status, nutritional status, and overall HRQoL. Therefore, when therapeutic efforts are made to improve the outcomes for patients with oral diseases, not only can the OHRQoL be enhanced, but also the HRQoL can be improved as a result.

Oral health-related quality of life in patients treated for oral malignancy at Kanchipuram district, India: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The modern-day onco-surgical therapy is now concerned on the overall Quality of Life after treatment of the patient. There is need to evaluate final outcome following the different combination of treatment modalities available to make better therapeutic treatment decisions.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess Oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with oral malignancies who had undergone various treatments.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A Cross sectional study was conducted among 90 patients between October 2016 to January 2017 in private hospitals, kanchipuram, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were grouped based on the treatment they had undergone into Group I - Surgery alone, Group II - Surgery and Radiotherapy, Group III- Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and assessed for OHRQoL using the shorter version of Oral health impact profile -14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive analysis of socio demographic variables and OHIP 14 was performed using Chi-square test and one way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Among the 90 participants, 43.3% belonged to upper lower class and 38.3% to lower class. Buccal mucosa (58.9%) was found to be the most frequent site. Among the clinical staging, Stage II (33.33%) oral cancer was more prevalent. No statistically significant differences in the OHIP mean score for Groups, I, II, III. Among the domains functional limitation was significantly different in the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with oral malignancies who had been treated surgically alone had better Quality of life when compared to the combined treatment modalities.

Influence of dental treatment in place on quality of life in oral cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy

Background

This study aims to assess, in the population of patients with oral cancer treatment, the influence on the quality of life of two protocols of dental treatment: not ruled hospital treatment versus ruled hospital treatment.

Material and Methods

A quasi-experimental approach justified on ethical grounds was used. A total of 41 patients were included in the control group (not ruled treatment outpatient health center) and 40 in the experimental group (ruled hospital treatment). A total of 14 questions to both groups were conducted in three stages: before starting cancer treatment, during treatment and after treatment. the proportions of positive responses in groups and different times were compared using the chi-square test.

Results

Based on similar situations during cancer treatment were identified as six issues favorable to the experimental group difference. This number rose to nine after finishing oncological treatment.

Conclusions

From our data we can confirm that planned dental treatment performed during the oral cancer treatment produces an improvement in the quality of life in patients with oral cancer.

Key words:Oral cancer, dental treatment, quality of life, oncology, dentistry.

Satisfaction in complete denture wearers with and without adhesives: A randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the satisfaction of patients regarding retention, stability and accumulation of particles with a randomized, double-blind crossed method in users with complete dentures with and without adhesive.

Material and Methods

Seventeen edentulous individuals were randomized and received new upper and lower complete dentures. After a period of adaptation, they participated in some masticatory tests and clinical revisions, after use the protheses with and without the use of two denture adhesives: Adhesive A (Fittydent, Fittydent International GmbH) and adhesive B (Corega, GlaxoSmithKline) at 0, 7 and 14 days. Satisfaction was measured immediately after each test through a survey using a VAS scale (0-10) and data were analyzed with McNemar's test with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The results showed significant differences (p<.01) between the study groups with adhesive A - B and the group without adhesive, but no significant differences were found between the two stickers for any of the variables studied.

Conclusions

Complete denture adhesives significantly improved the satisfaction of patients because a better retention, stability and less accumulation of particles of the food substitute between the denture and the mucosa is obtained compared with non-use of complete denture adhesives. Key words:Complete dentures, patient satisfaction, denture adhesives, clinical trials.

Impact of General and Oral Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type I on Lebanese Children's Quality of Life

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus type I (DM1) has been increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Children suffering from this chronic disease are subject to a high risk of systemic and oral complications, due to their young age and the lack of awareness of the relation between diabetes and oral health.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of oral and general complications of DM1 on the Lebanese children's quality of life. The goal was to assess the child's behavioral issues on the one hand and the oral issues on the other.

Materials and methods

About 37 diabetic Lebanese children aged between 6 and 12 years, recruited from the Chronic Care Center (CCC), answered two questionnaires, one related to the disease and the second related to the oral complications.

Results

A majority of the participants (81.1%) are aware of their disease, 73% know the importance of their treatment and 54.1% are able to control their glycemia; 45.9% are not annoyed with constantly carrying a monitor and 67.5% are bothered by their restricted diet. Only 5.4% of children isolate themselves.

Concerning the oral complications

About 83.8% of the children do not suffer from oral ulcers, 56.8% are caries-free, and 64.9% have completed their dental treatment; 89.2% do not complain while eating and 94.6% are not able to brush their teeth properly.

Conclusion

Diabetic patients are found to have good knowledge of the disease and its systemic complications but a little on their increased risk for oral diseases. In order to ensure a good quality of life for the diabetic children and their families, optimal control of diabetes, appropriate oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist must be respected.How to cite this article: Noueiri B, Nassif N, Ollek A. Impact of General and Oral Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type I on Lebanese Children's Quality of Life. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(1):40-45.

Evolution of oral health in oral cancer patients with and without dental treatment in place: Before, during and after cancer treatment

Background

This study aims to evaluate the influence of two dental treatment protocols, outpatient non-regulated treatment versus supervised hospital treatment, on the oral health of patients undergoing oral cancer (only radiochemotherapy treatment, not surgical) treatment.

Material and Methods

The study used a quasi-experimental approach justified on ethical grounds. A total of 41 patients were included in the control group (outpatient non-regulated treatment) and 40 patients in the experimental group (in-hospital supervised treatment). The patients were treated only with chemotherapy (not surgical treatment was made) for oral cancer. This decision was taken by the oncology committee of the hospital without being influenced by this study. Data regarding plaque index, daily brushing habits, appearance of new cavities, need for extractions, appearance of candidiasis and use of prosthetics in both groups were collected at three points throughout the study: before starting cancer treatment, during treatment and after treatment. The values obtained using the Student’s t-test and chi-squared were compared.

Results

Based on similar patient backgrounds, throughout cancer treatment the intervention under study resulted in a decrease in plaque index, necessary extractions, and incidence of decay, as well as an increase in daily brushing among other improvements in oral health observed in the experimental group versus the control group.

Conclusions

From our data, we can confirm that supervised dental treatment performed during oral cancer treatment produced an improvement in the oral health of patients with oral cancer.

Key words:Oral cancer, dental treatment, quality of life, oncology, dentistry.

Coffee is protective against oral and pharyngeal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Coffee is one of the most popular and consumable drinks worldwide. However, there are conflicting results on the influence of this drink in oral and pharyngeal cancer risk. To clarify this, we aimed to systemically review and carry out a meta-analysis of the relevant literature on the association between coffee and oral and pharyngeal cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

We carried out an electronic search of publications up to August 2016 from PubMed, National Library of Medicines Medline, Embase, Science Direct and the Cochrane Central Register. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to address the quality of the studies a meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models.

RESULTS

From the 22,515 entries identified in the search, 13 case-control and 4 cohort studies were selected. With regards to quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, an overall value of 6.06 was obtained. The analysis for oral and pharyngeal cancer grouped together indicated a pooled OR of .69 (95% CI of .57-.84; p<.001) for high versus low coffee consumption with a moderate heterogeneity (I2: 50.3%; p=.009). Regarding studies on oral cavity cancers we observed a pooled OR of 0.82; 95% CI =.58-1.16; p=.257) and for pharyngeal cancers a pooled OR of .72 (95% CI of 0.54-.95; p=.019). There was no significant publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results show an inverse association between high coffee consumption and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers, which indicates that coffee may have a protective role against these cancers. Further larger prospective observational cohort studies are needed to address any effect of other possible co-factors.

Prospective Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Primary Surgery for Oral Cancer: Preoperative and Postoperative Analysis

Background:

The purpose of the present study was to compare the preoperative and postoperative health related quality of life (HRQoL) of a sample of patients undergoing primary surgery for oral cancer in 2012-13.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional, prospective study of 54 patients in a Brazilian population was performed. HRQoL was measured preoperatively (after histopathological diagnosis) and postoperatively (2 months after surgery) using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL). Clinicopathological, sociodemographic and lifestyle data were collected.

Results:

Surgery had a negative impact on most HRQoL domains, but pain, mood and anxiety scores were significantly improved. Most patients rated their health-related and overall postoperative HRQoL as good or very good.

Conclusions:

The UW-QOL was efficient at measuring HRQoL in our sample of patients with oral cancer. Surgery had a negative impact on HRQoL, especially due to sequelae affecting the stomatognathic system, yet patients classified their postoperative health-related and overall QoL as positive. Qualitative studies are necessary for confirmation of our results and further exploration.

Health-related quality of life of a very special population: monks of Holy Mountain Athos, Greece

PURPOSE

The investigation of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of Orthodox Christian monks who live at the Holy Mount Athos in Greece, and its correlation with demographic characteristics and Sense of Coherence (SOC-13).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed. The seven monasteries and five scetes with the largest number of monk population were invited to participate. Two monasteries and 1 scete gave their permission for the study. The final monks sample was formed by 166 monks from 215 who participated to the study. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-12 and Sense of Coherence the SOC-13 scales that were completed by monks from May to August 2012. Μultiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of the HRQOL subscales with the demographics and SOC-13.

RESULTS

The mean age was 45.5 ± 13.0 years; 83.7% lived in communal monasteries, and the mean number of years in monasticism was 18.4 ± 12.1. The mean value of their Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 47.3 ± 5.3, which is lower than in the general Greek men population, while their Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 56.4 ± 5.8, which is higher than in the general Greek men population. The mean value of SOC-13 was 65.7 ± 6.5. Positive association for PCS appeared for place of living (β = 5.43, SE = 1.27, p < 0.001) and negative association for age (β = -0.16, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001) while for MCS for number of years in monasticism (β = 0.07, SE = 0.06, p = 0.023) and sense of coherence (β = 0.47, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that monks had better mental health but worse physical health compared to the general Greek male population. More studies are required to validate the above findings.

Oral health and quality of life in the municipal senior citizen's social clubs for people over 65 of Valencia, Spain

Background

The world population is aging considerably. The state of elderly´s dentition is poor. Many authors agree that the oral health status influence the elderly´s quality of life.The objective of our study was to analyze the relation between the oral health status and the general health status through the quality of life of elderly people aged 65 years or more in Valencia, Spain.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional oral health survey and an oral examination have been designed to study an elderly population. Subjects: 202 adults (103 men and 99 women). Age: 65 years of age and over. Setting: Randomly selected senior citizen´s social clubs. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) has been used to obtain the oral health survey. Moreover, the EuroQol-5d and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) have been the tools to obtain the general health status. Finally, sociodemographic and oral health questions have been needed.

Results

Descriptive and inferential results have been done and the main results are the following, the mean additive score of the OHIP-14 was 8.88, the mean value of the EuroQol-5d was 0.58 and of the VAS, 72.90. The OHIP-14 was consistently and significantly correlated with the index EuroQol-5d and with variables such as number of teeth, missing teeth, DMFT, dental status (being or not edentulous) and occupation. The EuroQol-5d was related to dental habits, sex, income, systemic pathologies and filled teeth.

Conclusions

The oral health has a high impact on quality of life. The oral health and the general health are closely related. The oral hygiene and getting toothless influence negatively on the quality of life of elderly people.

Key words:Elderly, geriatric dentistry, oral health, oral hygiene, quality of life.