Evaluation of oral health related quality of life in subjects diagnosed with head and neck malignancies undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery

Background: Oral cancer is a significant public health problem in India, which accounts for 90% of all head and neck (H and N) cancers and 3--4% of malignancies. It has mutifactorial etiology, and tobacco usage in smoke and smokeless form is considered to be a major risk factor. The prevalence of smoking habit is related to lifestyle, various methods were employed earlier to interpret and analyze, among them Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire is one of the most accepted instrument to analysis. Aim and Objective: To evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in subjects undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.The objective of the study was to evaluate OHRQoL in H and N cancer patients using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire. Materials and Methodology: A descriptive questionnaire based cross-sectional study of 4 months involving 50 patients undergoing treatment of H and Natcancer Hospital, Raipur city, were included.OHRQoL was assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaireand Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significant difference for the responses given by H and N cancer subjects. Results: 62.5%patients were unable to perform daily functions because of problem with their teeth and denture. Males with mean age of 55 years were found to have poorer quality of life than females. Conclusion: The OHIP-14 questionnaire proved to be reliable and valid tool for assessment of OHRQoLof cancer patients. It should be considered in the treatment protocol of cancer patients to prevent the treatment related oral health complications and for their optimal well-being.