Oral health-related quality of life among community dwelling middle-aged and older adults in an urban area in Magway region, Myanmar

This study aims at describing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and determining its associated factors in a middle-aged and older adult community dwelling population in Myanmar. In a cross-sectional community survey, 633 individuals (men 55% and women 45%), aged 35–65 years, selected by multi-stage random sampling, responded to a structured questionnaire on the Oral Health Impact Profile-short form (OHIP-14), health status, health behavior and socio-demographic information. Participants had an overall mean score of 8.1(item mean=0.65) on the OHIP-14, 57.2% had impaired OHRQoL and 16.6% frequent impaired OHRQoL. The highest prevalence of problems was found to be psychological discomfort (60.2%), followed by physical pain (51.7%) and physical disability (40.9%). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, poor oral health status (tooth loss, having one or more cavities, and poor perceived periodontal health), and poor general health status (depressive symptoms) were positive while oral health behavior (drinking piped or bottled water, using toothpaste with fluoride, and never visited a dentist) were negatively associated with both impaired and frequent impaired OHRQoL. In addition, frequent soft drink consumption was associated with impaired OHRQoL, and having a high household income and being physically inactive were associated with frequent impaired OHRQoL. A high prevalence of impaired OHRQoL was found among this middle-aged and older adult population in central Myanmar. Several risk factors (poor oral health status, poor general health status, poor oral and general health behavior) for impaired OHRQoL were identified, which could help in guiding oral health interventions among the populace.