Original Article

Year : 2017 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 1 | Page : 24 - 27

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases: A Questionnaire‐based Study

Namrata M, Jayanth Kumar V

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University, Kuthambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

M Namrata,

E‐mail: namrata0613@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim and Objectives:

The aim is to assess the quality of life (QOL) (any functional limitations, psychological limitations, and pre‐ and post‐treatment anxiety levels) in patients with chronic oral mucosal disease (COMD).

Background:

Numerous studies have pointed out the incidence and prevalence of chronic oral mucosal lesions, though only a few have explained about QOL of these patients. The occurrence of oral mucosal diseases has a limitation on the QOL of the individual. Studies focusing on the QOL assessment in the Indian population are scanty. Hence, we carried out a study focusing on the QOL assessment. This study focuses on the assessment of QOL in patients with chronic oral mucosal lesions to make dentists aware and improve the holistic care for the patient.

Materials and Methods: This study was administered as a closed‐ended questionnaire survey to patients with various types of mucosal diseases. The responses collected were analyzed for specific associations between the diseases and the QOL.

Results:

We observed that COMDs affected a wide range of ages, majority being 51–60 years (28%). Recurrent aphthous ulcers and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) adversely affected the QOL more than the other COMDs subgroups did. Among different disease groups, patients with recurrent aphthae had the worst QOL: 73.67 ± 5.68. Significant differences were observed between various groups: leukoplakia and OSMF, leukoplakia and recurrent aphthae, lichen planus and OSMF, and lichen planus and recurrent aphthae.

Conclusion:

Even after treatment, COMDs negatively affect the patients’ QOL. Use of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Questionnaire may allow physicians to more effectively care for their patients with these diseases.

Keywords: Chronic oral mucosal disease, oral health, quality of life

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Namrata M, Kumar VJ. Assessment of quality of life in patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases: A questionnaire- based study. Int J Orofac Biol 2017;1:24-7.