Do oral lesions associated with HIV affect quality of life?

Clinical indices are used to measure oral health and disease outcome in dentistry. These indices fail to take into account the impact of oral diseases on patient’s day-to-day life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of oral lesions associated with HIV on quality of life. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and impact of the oral manifestations of HIV and to test whether there are differences in outcomes when the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) data are analysed via frequency counts or by the use of item weights. Materials and Methods: This cohort consisted of HIV-positive adults(>18yrs). Cases presented with oral manifestations of HIV at the time of examination and controls had none. A 22-item data capture sheet recorded information on demographic details, clinical indices, prosthetic status, smoking, alcohol and drug history, HIV status, medical history and a history of oral problems for each patient. The 49-item OHIP instrument was administered in the form of an interview using a standardized format for the quality of life assessment. Results: 150 HIV positive patients were included in this study. The majority were female and black. There were no differences between the groups (p >0.05) in terms of their mean age, smoking habits and alcohol intake. However, significant differences (p< 0.05) were noted for DMFT scores, dry mouth and taste problems. Oral candidiasis was the most common oral lesion seen. Cases reported significantly greater impacts (p<0.05) for all of the 7 subscales assessed regardless of whether weights or frequency counts were used. Patients in the case group appeared less affected for the Social Disability and Handicap subscale when compared to the other 5 subscales in OHIP. Conclusion: Oral lesions associated with HIV infection significantly lower oral health related quality of life in HIV positive patients.