European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

The impact of oral diseases on the quality of life is well documented in literature. Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is a multidimensional idea which can be defined as a person’s assessment of how oral health affects quality of life related to oral functioning, psychological well-being, social well-being as well as pain / discomfort. Auto-rickshaw drivers are a ubiquitous and unique community of people with long and often irregular work hours. Even though there are lot of studies evaluating the oral health status, oral hygiene practices, oral habits etc of auto-rickshaw drivers in India, studies on OHRQoL are rare
Objectives
To evaluate the Oral Health Quality of Life of auto-rickshaw drivers in Kanchipuram, India and thereby assess the treatment needs and form a baseline value for further evaluations.
Materials and Methods
Descriptive cross sectional study was done using the short form of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire comprising of 14 closed ended questions and the 3 basic demographic data were administered to the auto-rickshaw drivers
Results
The mean age of the participants was 40.86 years. The mean OHIP-14 score in this study was 18.5 out of a maximum possible score of 56. OHIP-14 score increases with age.
Conclusion
Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the auto rickshaw drivers have oral health issues that increase with age affecting their quality of life that need comprehensive oral and general examination to assess the full extent of the oral health status and treatment needs