THE IMPACT OF SELF-REPORTED ORAL HEALTH ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM THREE NORTH-EASTERN CITIES OF ROMANIA AND REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Authors: Radu Bogdan MAVRU, Georgeta ZEGAN, Diana JOCOT, Cristina Gena DASCĂLU

Abstract:

The aim of the current cross-sectional study was to assess the self-reported oral health and impact on the quality of life of 216 schoolchildren (113 boys and 103 girls), aged between 7-15 years, with Romanian ethnicity, from three urban public schools, with different socioeconomic status, from North-Eastern Romania (Iasi and Suceava) and Republic of Moldova (Chisinau). The children responded independently to the COHIP questionnaire and sub-scales scores; also, the overall OHRQoL scores were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 16.0 program, statistically significant differences being noticed in the overall OHRQoL mean scores and in
some sub-scales of the questionnaire, as well as between genders, age intervals, cities and countries (p<0.05). The results showed a good oral and general self-reported health state, which had a positive impact on the quality of life of children from this geographical area.

Keywords:
  • cross-sectional study
  • impact of oral health
  • oral health
  • quality of life
  • schoolchildren