Impacts of Oral Health on Inner North East London Adults

Introduction: The impact of oral health on adults' quality of life in Inner North East London (Tower Hamlets, Newham, City & Hackney) has not been established. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) measures dental-related quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the impact of oral health on adults resident in Inner North East London. The findings were explored by age, gender and ethnicity. Methods: A cross-sectional interview schedule, using a multi-stage sampling of adults aged 16 and over living in Inner North east London, was administered by trained interviewers. The interview content was based on validated questions from the most recent decennial national Adult Dental Health Survey, which included OHIP-14. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify impact variation by age, gender, borough and ethnicity. Results: Nine hundred and sixty four adults were interviewed. Over half (65%) of the adults reported at least one oral impact (mean impacts 4.25: 95% CI= 3.95-4.55). Thirty three point two percent of respondents reported 6+ impacts while 5.6% reported all fourteen items and 11.3% reported being unable to function. Most frequently reported impact was oral pain (32%). Multivariate analysis of oral impacts and sociodemographic factors demonstrated that compared to younger respondents (16-34), older (45+) respondents were more likely to report oral impacts (OR=3.12: 95% CI=2.29-4.48). However, Black respondents of the survey population reported fewer oral health impacts, as measured by OHIP, compared to White respondents (OR=0.61: 95% CI=0.39-096). Conclusion: In this sample of adults in Inner North East London oral health impacted on quality of life. There were variations by age and ethnicity.