Oral health-related Quality of life among the 'Children of 1997'

Abstract

Objectives: To assesse oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the ‘Children of 1997', a birth cohort in Hong Kong; and to identify associations between OHRQoL and clinical oral health status. Methods: A random sample of 964, 12-year-old children from the ‘Children of 1997' birth cohort in Hong Kong was selected. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14). Clinical assessments for dental caries (DMFS), periodontal health (CPI) and dental fluorosis (Dean's index) were conducted. Results: The response rate to the survey was 69.3%. 99.4% (664) perceived an impact of the oral health state on the quality of life (CPQ score >0). Dental caries experiences (DMFS) was associated with CPQ scores and several of its sub-domains (P<0.05). Likewise dental fluorosis level (Dean's Index) was associated with CPQ scores and some of its sub-domains (P<0.05). Periodontal health status was not associated with CPQ scores (P>0.05). Conclusion: The ‘Children of 1997' in Hong Kong perceive that their oral health has considerable impact on their quality of life. Variations in oral health's impact on quality of life were associated with several clinical factors, namely dental caries and dental fluorosis.