Oral health-related quality of life in older Swedish people with pain problems

Objectives: The aim of the present paper was to explore the oral health-related quality of life in old Swedish people with pain problems, with special reference to demography, socio-economic factors, health, and general health-related quality of life. Method: Individuals >= 80 years (n = 186) who earlier reported pain problems answered two multi-item instruments on oral health-related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP-14) and general health-related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey, SF-12), respectively. Socio-demographic and health questions were also inquired. Results: Both the oral and general health-related quality of life were rated very low. Two thirds (67.2%) reported at least one of the aspects in the OHIP-14 fairly often, very often or all the time. The mean additive score of the OHIP-14 was 14.6 (SD 10.5). The mean value of the physical component scale (PCS) of SF-12 was 25.9 (SD 6.2) and of the mental component scale (MCS) 44.1 (SD 11.5). The OHIP-14 was consistently and significantly correlated with self-rated general and oral health, chewing ability and MCS. The associations between self-rated general and oral health in relation to the OHIP-14 were independent of possible confounders: OR 3.63 (95% CI 1.58-8.32) and OR 2.68 (95% CI 1.44-4.99), respectively. Conclusion: Old people with pain problems experienced very low oral and general health-related quality of life. Personnel caring for the oldest with pain problems should be aware that oral health problems can contribute to a low quality of life and that oral care should be included in the general care.