Region-specific lifestyle and subjective perception are associated with oral health-related quality of life among Tibetan adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

AbstractBackground Research on the predictors of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Tibetan adolescents is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the OHRQoL of Tibetan adolescents in Ganzi, Sichuan, and to determine whether the region-specific lifestyle, subjective perception and objective conditions of oral health could predict Tibetan adolescents’ OHRQoL. Methods A cross-sectional survey of Tibetan adolescents aged 11–15 years was conducted in Ganzi, Sichuan. Relevant data was collected via a self-reported questionnaire and a complete oral examination. The OHRQoL was measured using the standardized Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (sC-OIDP) scores. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between region-specific lifestyle, subjective perception, objective conditions and OHRQoL. Results Four hundred and eighty-five Tibetan adolescents participated in the study. The sC-OIDP ranged from 39.44 to 99.70 (mean55.41 ± SD11.19) with 288 (59.38%) adolescents reported an sC-OIDP above 50. It was revealed that Tibetan adolescents living at a higher altitude of 3300m than 1400m were more likely to report a poorer OHRQoL (OR = 1.880, 95%CI 1.101–3.209,P = .021). Also, buttered tea consumption by adolescents (OR = 2.284, 1.200-4.348,P = .012) or by mother (OR = 2.278, 1.171–4.432,P = .015) and boarding student (OR = 1.761, 1.180–2.626,P = .006) were significantly associated with poorer OHRQoL. Regarding the subjective perception, adolescents that rated a bad or very bad oral health (OR = 4.360, 2.341–8.120,P < .001) was more likely to have poorer OHRQoL compared to those with good or very good oral health. Furthermore, self-reported dental pain was significantly related to poorer OHRQoL (OR = 2.836, 1.836–4.382,P < .001). Interestingly, objective conditions, such as BOP, DC and DMFT were not related to OHRQoL. Conclusion Region-specific lifestyle and subjective perception on oral health were the key predictors affecting the OHRQoL of Tibetan adolescents. To improve OHRQoL, it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons of buttered tea and take moderate consumption among adolescents and their mothers and improve communication of students in boarding school with their parents can boost self-confidence. Additionally, developing good oral hygiene habits and keeping more healthy teeth to prevent dental pain is equally important for improving OHRQoL.