Dental pain and oral health-related quality of life of patients attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital - a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Poor oral health significantly compromises quality of life. While the link between oral conditions and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is established, specific data on the impact of dental pain from various oral conditions in Nigerian patient populations is scarce. This study addresses that gap. Aim: To assess the impact of dental pain on OHRQoL among patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among patients attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaire had three sections. Section A included information on socio-demography, Section B on diagnosis and duration of dental pain, and Section C on the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) to evaluate the QHRQoL of dental pain among patients. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: There were 212 participants [66 (31.1%) males and 146 (68.9%) females]. 'Physical pain' was the most severely affected domain. Maxillofacial fractures (mean OHIP-14: 31.3 ± 13.8), pericoronitis (28.6 ± 10.9), and dental caries (27.5 ± 11.5) had the highest negative impact. Most participants with these conditions reported negative OHRQoL impact (p <0.001). Gingivitis had the least impact. Conclusion: Dental pain, particularly from maxillofacial fractures, pericoronitis, and caries, greatly impairs OHRQoL. Hence, the need for targeted, prompt management of painful dental conditions to improve patient well-being and highlights the value of OHRQoL measures in clinical assessment.