Impact of sense of coherence on oral health-related quality of life among Brazilian adults

Abstract

It has been postulated that oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) may be affected by the sense of coherence (SOC), but there are no epidemiological studies investigating this association in Brazilian adults. The present study was conducted among adults of a mid-sized Brazilian city, with the aim of looking into this association. The probability sampling consisted of 342 adults aged 35-44 years old, from a mid-sized Brazilian city, who were examined at their homes for caries (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth [DMFT] Index) and periodontal disease (Community Periodontal Index-CPI), according to WHO criteria. The questionnaire applied included demographic factors, socioeconomic information, use of dental services, behavior, SOC and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The OHIP outcome, measured by prevalence of the impact, was analyzed by binary logistic regression using a hierarchical approach, a conceptual model, and a 5% significance level. A total of 67.9% of the respondents had one or more impacts on OHRQoL, and 54.4% showed a high SOC. The impact on OHRQoL was more prevalent in adults who had a manual occupation (PR = 2.47, 95%CI 1.24-4.93), those who perceived the need for dental treatment (PR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.67-5.14), and those who had untreated caries (PR = 1.93, 95%CI 1.07-3.47). Those with a low SOC had a twofold higher prevalence of impact on OHRQoL (PR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.29-3.71). This impact on OHRQoL was associated with a low SOC, even after adjusted by socioeconomic, behavioral and clinical factors. Future studies should consider the SOC in determining the oral health impact on quality of life.

Social and racial inequity in self-rated oral health in adults in Southern Brazil

“…A similar situation happens with indigenous population, since indigenous also show few records of dental care, high prevalence of dental caries and considerable tooth loss 20 . Therefore, poor oral health self-perception is associated with unfavorable socioeconomic and demographic factors 4,8,21,22 .…”

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life in homeless persons: a cross-sectional study

“…Hence, it is negatively affected by oral disorders. [21][22][23][24] Although OHRQoL of homeless populations is negatively impacted by their poor oral health conditions, the impact of the clinical and sociodemographic determinants of oral diseases on OHRQoL is not yet fully understood. Analysis of these factors could help with the formulation and assessment of oral health promotion actions and services.…”

Association of Maternal Sense of Coherence With Oral Health Behavior of Children With Special Health Care Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The SOC consists of three components that estimate how individuals perceive the world (understanding), ascertain and use resources to meet the demand (management), and answer the questions emotionally (meaning) [5].…”

“…Another study reported that mothers of children aged 11-12 with higher levels of SOC were more likely to use dental services. Studies have also shown an association between mothers' low SOC levels and tooth decay, pulpitis, or restored teeth in children [3,5,9].…”