Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objectives
The issue of oral health problems among refugees, not only during their journey but also once they arrive at their destination, is a current one. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of refugees, with the intention of highlighting a potential need for improved education and easier access to dental care.Materials and methods
A questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was distributed via hyperlink on social media, targeting individuals with a refugee background to collect data on their OHRQoL.Results
A total of 401 participants completed the questionnaire. The median OHIP score for all participants was 8 (IQR 2-17) out of a maximum of 56, with 0 representing the best possible OHRQoL. The median OHIP score was 6 (IQR 2-16) for male and 8 (IQR 2-18) for female participants.Conclusions
A comparison of the OHIP score from this study with reference values from non-refugee populations shows an elevated score and, thus, a lower oral quality of life.Clinical relevance
The findings of this study indicate a clear need for enhanced access to dental care for refugees, coupled with an educational initiative aimed at fostering an appreciation of the importance of daily dental hygiene.
SUBMITTER: Fink K
PROVIDER: S-EPMC11311352 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Fink Katharina K Alkayed Kais K Schwindling Franz Sebastian FS Wiesmüller Vera V
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) 20240731 15
<h4>Objectives</h4>The issue of oral health problems among refugees, not only during their journey but also once they arrive at their destination, is a current one. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of refugees, with the intention of highlighting a potential need for improved education and easier access to dental care.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was distributed via hyperlink on social ...[more]