Risk factors and oral health‐related quality of life: A case–control comparison between patients after a first‐episode psychosis and people from general population

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? Oral health consists of more than having good teeth; it is an important factor in general health and well‐being. Despite its importance, oral health care is still largely overlooked in mental health nursing. There is no research available about oral health risk factors and OHRQoL in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode). WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE? This study provides insight into the severity of the problem. It demonstrates the differences in risk factors and OHRQoL between patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) and the general population. A negative impact on OHRQoL is more prevalent in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) (14.8%) compared to the general population (1.8%). Patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) have a considerable increase in odds for low OHRQoL compared to the general population, as demonstrated by the odds ratio of 9.45, which supports the importance of preventive oral health interventions in this group. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE? The findings highlight the need for oral health interventions in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode). Mental health nurses, as one of the main health professionals supporting the health of patients diagnosed with a mental health disorder, can support oral health (e.g. assess oral health in somatic screening, motivate patients, provide oral health education to increase awareness of risk factors, integration of oral healthcare services) all in order to improve the OHRQoL. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: No research is available about the oral health risk factors and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. AIM: To compare oral health risk factors and OHRQoL in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) to people with no history of psychotic disorder. METHOD: A case–control comparison (1:2) multivariable linear regression analysis and an estimation of prevalence of impact on OHRQoL. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) have lower OHRQoL with more associated risk factors. Of the patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode), 14.8% reported a negative impact on OHRQoL, higher than the prevalence of 1.8% found in people from the general population. DISCUSSION: The high prevalence rate of a negative impact on OHRQoL in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode) shows the importance of acting at an early stage to prevent a worse outcome. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight the need for oral health interventions in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first‐episode). Mental health nurses, as one of the main health professionals supporting the health of patients diagnosed with a mental health disorder, can support oral health (e.g. assess oral health in somatic screening) in order to improve the OHRQoL.