Religious affiliation and oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative survey in Germany

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown an association between a person’s religiosity, and physical as well as psychological, health status. However, results differ between certain religious affiliations. While good oral health is important for our overall health and wellbeing, research on religious affiliation and oral health status, specifically oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), is lacking. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between religious affiliation and OHRQoL. METHODS: A nationally representative online survey (n = 3,075 individuals) was conducted in August/September 2021. The mean age was 44.5 years (SD: 14.8 years, 18 to 70 years) and 51.1% of the individuals were female. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5). Religious affiliation served as key explanatory variable. Several covariates were included in regression analyses. RESULTS: Regressions revealed that compared to individuals with no religious affiliation, individuals belonging to Christianity had poorer OHRQoL (β = 0.31, p < 0.01), individuals belonging to Islam had poorer OHRQoL (β = 2.62, p < 0.01) and individuals belonging to another religious affiliation also had poorer OHRQoL (β = 1.89, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated an association between religious affiliation and OHRQoL. Individuals with specific religious affiliations should be addressed to avoid low OHRQoL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-023-03265-8.