Validation of Nepalese Oral Health Impact Profile14 and Assessment of Its Impact in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis in Nepal

Abstract

Abstract Background: Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) is one of the most internationally used oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire available in various languages. The study was aimed to validate Nepalese version of OHIP-14 and to assess impact of quality of life (QoL) in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).

Methods: An interventional OHRQoL study was conducted among OSF patients visiting Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan using OHIP-14 after translation and validation process. Following the baseline questionnaire, 74 patients were treated with dexamethasone and hyaluronidase for 6 weeks and followed up for 6 months during which OHIP-14 was again administered.

Results: For concurrent validity, Nepalese OHIP-14 scores were associated with self-perceived oral health status, self-perceived dental treatment need and satisfaction with oral health status. For internal reliability, inter-item correlation coefficient varied from 0.2-0.8. Corrected item-total correlation coefficients were between 0.43-0.80. Cronbach's alpha was 0.90. Commercial tobacco product chewing with arecanut (Gutka Ⓡ ) was seen among 45% with median frequency and duration of 7.5(0-20) times/day and 10(0-60) years, respectively. Median OHIP-14 score at baseline 18(0-45), was significantly (p<0.001) different from 6 months' follow-up [5(0-15)]. Impact score at baseline was mainly influenced by age (r(s) =0.32, p=0.005), frequency of habit (r(s) =0.44, p<0.001) and duration of habit (r(s) =0.31, p=0.006). s

Conclusions: Nepalese version of OHIP-14 is a valid and, reliable instrument to measure OHRQoL in OSF patients. OHRQoL in OSF patients can be improved after professional treatment regime.

Keywords: Oral submucous fibrosis; oral cancer; oral health; oral potentially malignant disorders; quality of life.