Health-related Quality of Life of Children Aged 11 to 14 Years with Oro-facial Conditions

Objective: This study assessed the health related quality of life of children aged 11-14 years with oro-facial conditions. Methods: 39 patients with oro-facial conditions were compared with 32 patients undergoing treatment for common dental conditions. The outcome measure used was the multi-dimensional 39-item Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) that forms one component of a newly developed measure, the Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: The oro-facial group had significantly higher scores on the CPQ than the dental group (p<0.05). However, the magnitude of the difference was relatively small. They had higher scores on the functional limitations (p<0.01) and social well-being (p<0.01) domains of the measure, but again differences in mean scores were small. The groups did not differ with respect to oral symptoms or emotional well being. Mouth breathing (p<0.01), problems with speech (p<0.01), missing school, being teased (p<0.01) and being asked questions about their condition (p<0.01) were the only issues reported more frequently by the oro-facial group. There was no evidence of social inhibition or withdrawal in response to these issues. The children with oro-facial conditions rated the health of their teeth and mouth better than that of the children with dental conditions (p<0.05) and, in common with the dental group, the majority reported that their condition had little impact on their life overall. Conclusions: There were few differences in the health-related quality of life of children aged 11 to 14 years with oro-facial conditions compared to children with common dental conditions. This suggests that the majority are well adjusted and able to cope with any adversity they experience as a result of their condition. This may reflect the quality of the team care they receive at the clinical location from which they were recruited. Supported by Hospital for Sick Children Foundation Grant XG99-085.