Oral health related quality of life in stroke survivors at community- based rehabilitation centre: A pilot study

Abstract

Oral health related quality of life in stroke survivors at community-based rehabilitation centre: A pilot study In Meei Tew1, Chui Ling Goo1, Shahida Mohd Said1*, Hafizul Izwan Zahari1, Noor Amalina Ali2, Fatin Athirah Masawi3, Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz4, Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom5 1. Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia 2. Lundang Paku Dental Clinic, Koto Bharu 16450, Malaysia 3. Sungai Pinang Dental Clinic, Tumpat 16200, Malaysia 4. Department of Family Medicine, Preclinical Block, UKM Medical Centre, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras 56000, Malaysia 5. Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia *E-mail: shahidams@ukm.edu.my Abstract Background: Despite being a common problem, long-term disability following stroke often improves after survivors receive regular rehabilitative therapy. This study aimed to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of stroke survivors who had access to a community-based rehabilitation centre after hospital discharge. Methods: Dentate post-stroke patients receiving regular rehabilitative care with slight to moderate dependency (Barthel Index >70) and without severe cognitive impairment were involved in this study. The OHRQoL parameters were measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires. Results: Thirty one patients were recruited in this study. Majority of the patients hardly ever or never had problems in all functional, physical, psychological and social domains, including eating discomfort and having to avoid eating, difficulty in chewing food and presumably having bad breath (58.1%, 61.3% and 71.0% respectively). Other than gender, age, ethnicity, co-morbidities and oral hygiene practices, education level was the only variable found to significantly affect patients’ OHRQoL (p = 0.028). Most of the patients had no or slight problem(s) in self-care (87.1%) and carrying out usual activities (57.1%), pain/discomfort (3.2%) and anxiety/depression (6.5%). Conclusion: Stroke survivors under regular rehabilitative care perceived have good oral health-related quality of life. Keywords: post-stroke, general health, oral health, quality of life, rehabilitation centre