Impairments in eating and speaking are common manifestations of HIV disease. Little is known about the associations of these oral health indicators with general functioning and well being (health-related quality of life, HRQOL) in this population. This study examines the relationships between oral health and HRQOL in a sample of 2,140 individuals participating in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS). HCSUS is a nationally representative sample of people in care for HIV in the US. At the first follow-up interview, oral HRQOL was assessed using a 7-item scale that included questions on the impact of oral health problems on eating and swallowing, social activities, self-image, health worries, and pain and discomfort (alpha=0.85). A multi-item HRQOL battery was administered at the first and second follow-ups and physical and mental health summary scores were derived. In regression models, physical and mental health at the second follow-up were both significantly (p < .05) associated with oral health, controlling for symptoms, CD4 count, AIDS diagnosis, and sociodemographic variables. These results suggest that the general functioning and well being of patients with HIV is substantially related to their oral health. Increased attention should be given to oral health in future studies of HIV.
Learning Objectives: To understand the relationship between oral health status and measures of physical and mental health-related quality of life
Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.