Comparison of Quality of Life Among Dental Caries and Periodontal Patients Using Euroqol - 5d in the KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore: a Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral-health-related quality of life measures have been developed because objective clinical measures of disease provided little insight into the impact of oral disorders on daily living and quality of life. The EuroQol was developed as a standardised, generic (non-disease-specific) instrument for describing and valuing health-related quality of life. Aim: To assess the quality of life among dental caries and periodontal patients. Materials and methods: The EQ5D questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life among OPD patients in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. An oral examination was done to check for dental caries and the periodontal status of the patient using the Community Periodontal Index and the DMFT index. Convergent and divergent validity were measured for the predetermined hypotheses. Results: Quality of life is affected in both dental caries and periodontal patients. It was found to be poorer with patients who have a high DMFS score. The anxiety and depression dimension of the EQ5D was found to be more significant in females than in males. Conclusion: The EQ5D has both convergent and discriminant validity for the measurement of health status in dental caries and periodontal patients. Dental Public Health significance: Oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and can lead to pain, discomfort, anxiety, poor facial appearance, low self-esteem, and impaired function. Quality of life is an important parameter for assessing health outcomes, efficacy, and the economic impact of interventions. So as a public health dentist, we need to take preventive measures for oral diseases. Palabras clave: EQ5D, oral health, quality of life, validity, dental caries, periodontitis