Oral Health Impact Profile and Associated Variables in Southern Brazilian Drug Users

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between sociodemographic, behavioral, oral health, variables of drug consumption, and the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), in Southern Brazilian drug users. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 202 drug users aged 18 or over admitted for treatment at the Institute for Research and Treatment of Alcoholism (Instituto de Pesquisa e Tratamento do Alcoolismo -IPTA) from the municipality of Campo Largo, PR, Brazil, from 2012 to 2014, were involved. They answered a questionnaire and were examined by a calibrated researcher. Data were collected and bivariate (Chi-square test) and multivariate (logistic regression and Wald’s test) analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was statistical difference (P<0.05) in bivariate analysis and the worst impacts were reported by non-whites, those who reported feeling metallic taste in mouth and tooth mobility, which use cigarettes for over 15 yr and consume more than 3 g of crack/day, with DMFT >10, and number of teeth in mouth ≤27. In the multivariate analysis, statistical difference remained, except for ethnicity (P=0.207). CONCLUSION: Self-perception of oral health was associated with the variables explored, which suggests the need for strategies focused on this population.