Hungarian Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Influencing Factors

Objective: This study is going to respond to the question whether a correlation may be found between social –economical background of Hungarian inhabitants with special attention to oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: Representative samples of 1200 individuals were selected according to gender, age, level of education, region and the profession of respondents and distribution of income. Types of presenting dentures were also recorded. Respecting all geographic parts of this country 8 regions were visited to find the respondents from 5 forms of various settlements. OHIP-H14 questionnaire was applied to measure the Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Results were evaluated with OHIP-H summery scores. For statistical analysis SPSS (10.0) software was used and data were analyzed by χ2 and ANOVA test. Results: With the questionnaires the Hungarian population based norm was established (5,76). Significant differences were found between the investigated independent variables. Elderly patients and patients with lower educational level had worse OHIP scores. Denture wearers also gained significantly higher scores (8,6). The accessibility of dental office and the different regions has influence on OHIP scores. „Service on demand” type visit in dental practice reached the 57% of respondents and gained significantly higher OHIP scores. Conclusion: The investigated independent variables really have influence on oral health related quality of life in Hungary. With the norm value based on our study the Hungarian results could be compared with other countries.