Oral health-related quality of life in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic diseases that are associated with connective tissue and bone destruction, which affects the quality of life of the people suffering from these conditions. The identification of social conditions and the determinants of RA and PD would permit the elaboration of policies and strategies based on social reality.Objectives. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the indicators of general health and oral health in patients with RA. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study involving 59 patients with RA was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Demographic, general health, periodontal, and oral health parameters were collected. In addition, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was administered to each patient. A description of the OHIP-14 dimensions according to different variables was performed. The relation-ship between OHRQoL and general/oral health indicators was analyzed with logistic and linear regression analyses. Results. The highest OHIP-14 scores were found in people that were 60 years of age and over, single, had low educational achievements, a low socioeconomic status, were unemployed, and had no health affiliation. In the adjusted model, the prevalence of the impact on OHRQoL was 1.34 (1.10-5.29) times greater in those with erosive RA than in those without, and 2.22 (1.16-29.50) times greater in those who self-reported morning stiffness. Regarding the stage of PD, those with stage IV had a prevalence of the impact on the OHRQoL of 70%, an average extent of 3.4 +/- 4.5 and a severity score of 11.5 +/- 22.0, with statistically significant differences.Conclusions. The dimensions with the greatest impact on the OHRQoL of patients were physical pain, discomfort and psychological disability. The type of RA and the severity of PD are indicators of worse scores on the OHRQoL scale.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and general health and oral health indicators in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study found that the highest OHRQoL scores were observed in individuals aged 60 and over, unmarried, with low education levels, low socioeconomic status, unemployed, and without health affiliation. Furthermore, the study also found that the type of RA and the severity of periodontitis (PD) were indicators of poorer OHRQoL scores.