Impact of oral health on quality of life in Ireland

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQoL) in the Republic of Ireland and identified disparities in OHQoL among subgroups of the population. Methods: As part of a national survey of Adult Oral Health in Ireland, a representative random sample of 2,888 adults in Ireland aged 16-24, 35-44 and 65+ were clinically examined. Subjects were also asked to complete a questionnaire which incorporated the OHQoL-UK© to measure the impact of oral health on life quality. In addition, socio-demographic information was collected (age, gender and benefit status). Results: Completed questionnaires were available for 2795 of the 2,888 adults examined. Most people in Ireland (59%, 1635/2795) claimed their oral health did affect their life quality and perceived its effects to be both positive (enhancing) and negative (burdening). Few claimed oral health's effect to be wholly positive (2%, 45) or negative (<1%, 4). Oral health's influence on life quality was perceived to be largely physical rather than social or psychological. Norms values (weighted and unweighted) of oral health related quality of life will be presented. In regression analyses, age and benefit status emerged as the key predictor of oral health related quality of life. Conclusion: The impact of oral health on life quality in Ireland was substantial and largely positive (enhancing). Socio-demographic differences were apparent in relation to age and benefit status.