Assessment of the Effect of Oral Health on Quality of Life and Oral-Health Indicators among ESRD Patients in Southwest Florida: A Pilot Study

Purpose. To determine and compare OHRQoL (oral-health-related quality of life) using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-12) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Methods. Face-to-face interviews and intraoral examinations were conducted among 70 patients. Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare each item score with demographics and dental and overall health status. Results. The mean number of years on dialysis was 4.7 ± 7.5 yrs; the mean number of teeth present was 19.7 ± 11.04; median values of OHRQoL using GOHAI-12 and OHIP-14 were 52 and 64. Within GOHAI-12, limiting food ( 0.043), uncomfortable eating in front of people ( 0.045), limiting contact with people ( 0.046), and eating without discomfort ( 0.011) were significantly associated with females. Being worried ( 0.040) and self-conscious ( 0.048) were significant for age groups ≤65 years. Prevented from speaking was associated with >20 teeth ( 0.016). Being worried about oral health was associated with number of years on dialysis ( 0.042). Within OHIP-14, speech was associated with number of teeth present ( 0.024). Total inability to function was significantly associated with race ( 0.018), number of teeth ( 0.028), and edentulousness ( 0.031). Conclusions. GOHAI-12 was more effective than OHIP-14 in assessing OHRQoL. However, most subjective experiences did not correlate with clinical findings. Systemic health issue like end-stage renal disease affecting QoL might have taken precedence over dental problems. Clinical assessments should be inherent in oral-health evaluation and there should be cooperation between nephrologists and dentists in promoting oral health and treating systemic conditions among HD patients.