Oral health–related quality of life in breast cancer survivors
Menée au Brésil à partir de données portant sur 151 patientes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein, cette étude transversale analyse les facteurs associés à la santé buccale (caries, dents manquantes ou restaurées, sécheresse buccale, etc.) et à la qualité de vie
Objective : The aim of the present study was to evaluate oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among breast cancer survivors and identify possible factors associated with the outcome. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted with 151 women in follow-up at a hospital after treatment for breast cancer. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, general health, and breast cancer. Clinical examinations were performed to determine caries experience using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was administered for the assessment of OHRQoL. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors after adjustments for confounding variables. Results : The mean OHIP-14 score was 12.8 (SD 10.92). The prevalence of negative impact was 58.9%. A negative impact was associated with depression, the diagnosis of breast cancer, chemotherapy, number of restored teeth, and xerostomia (p < 0.05). In the adjusted analysis, only the oral variables remained significantly associated with the outcome. Conclusion : A greater number of restored teeth and xerostomia exert a negative impact on the OHRQoL of women who have survived breast cancer, which suggests the need for special attention to the oral health of this population.