Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of Clients in an Australian Opioid Treatment Program

Grace Wong; Venkatesha Venkatesha; Mark Montebello; Angela Masoe; Kyle Cheng; Hannah Cook; Bonny Puszka; Anna Cheng

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of Clients in an Australian Opioid Treatment Program

Grace Wong , Venkatesha Venkatesha, Mark Montebello, Angela Masoe, Kyle Cheng, Hannah Cook, Bonny Puszka, Anna Cheng

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with opioid dependence often experience poor oral health, including dental decay, periodontal disease and mucosal infection, frequently exacerbated by factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate oral hygiene and low utilisation of oral health services. This study aimed to assess oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among opioid-dependent individuals and explore their potential associations. Methods: Participants enrolled in an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) at three Australian urban clinics were assessed using the validated Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Results: The average age of the seventy-five participants was 44.7 years, with 45% receiving opioid treatment for over five years. Dental decay and inadequate oral hygiene were prevalent. Mean OHAT and OHIP-14 scores were 6.93 and 20.95 respectively, indicating moderate oral health severity and poor OHRQoL. Physical pain and psychological discomfort significantly impacted participants’ quality of life, with the effects being particularly pronounced for those aged 30 and above. An exploratory analysis revealed a strong correlation between OHAT and OHIP-14 severity scores, with a one-point increase in OHAT associated with1.85 times higher odds of a lower OHRQoL (OR =1.85, 95% CI:1.38–2.49, p=<.001). Conclusion: These findings underscore the multifaceted impact of oral health on the well-being of OTP clients. Routine dental check-ups, education on oral hygiene practices and timely treatment for oral health problems are crucial recommendations based on this study. Such measures hold the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals attending OTPs.

PY24021 Accepted 12 August 2024