Prevalence and impact of xerostomia on quality of life: a clinical-based cross-sectional study in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background The current investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of xerostomia, its relation to risk factors, and its impact on the quality of life among a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods This cross-sectional study collected data on the occurrence of xerostomia and risk factors from 1220 subjects in several Egyptian governorates, including sex, age, smoking, systemic illness, and medications. Subjective and objective dry mouth scores, taste disturbances, burning sensations, and their impact on quality of life were assessed. Results Xerostomia was estimated to involve 49.6% of the studied population. It was found to increase with age and was substantially higher amongst females. Xerostomia was significantly associated with systemic disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. Taste disturbances affected 49.2%, and burning sensation was reported by 76.1% of xerostomia cases; around 81% of cases reported moderate to extreme impact of xerostomia on their quality of life. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between xerostomia and age ( p = 0.025 * ), gender ( p = 0.018 * ), medical condition ( p = 0.016 * ), long-term medication ( p = 0.037 * ), burning sensation ( p = 0.012 * ), taste disturbance ( p = 0.031 * ), and the impact on quality of life ( p = 0.016 * ). Conclusions The occurrence of xerostomia was high among the Egyptian population, especially amongst older females, having a significant impact on quality of life, and was significantly associated with several systemic diseases that are commonly encountered in Egypt.