Predictors of oral health quality of life in HIV-1 infected patients attending routine care in Australia

Objective: To examine predictors of oral health quality of life (OHQoL) in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population undergoing routine HIV care in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Method: The study was an anonymous self-administered survey of 273 patients. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and questionnaires on sociodemographics, HIV, and dental issues. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of OHQoL. Results: The study found smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 2.44], time to last dental visit (OR = 2.63), denture use (OR = 2.83), and income level (OR = 0.27) were significantly associated with OHQoL. No HIV-related variables predicted OHQoL. Conclusion: Smoking, not consulting a dentist in the last year, denture use, and low income were identified as significant predictors which could be targeted to improve quality of life among people living with HIV. Preventing dental diseases may also reduce the risk of activation of latent HIV by oral pathogens.