Page 113 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 113
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-167-4.113-122
Factors related to oral health-related quality
of life among children and adolescents
in Slovenia
Anja Magajna1, Barbara Artnik2, Martin Ranfl3
1 National Institute of Public Health, Regional Unit Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
2 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 National Institute of Public Health, Regional Unit Murska Sobota, Murska Sobota, Slovenia
anja.magajna@nijz.si; barbara.artnik@mf.uni-lj.si; martin.ranfl@nijz.si
Abstract
Introduction: Oral health is a part of general health. Problems with
the oral cavity and/or teeth cause pain, discomfort and limitations in
performing the function of the orofacial system and other daily tasks
and reduce quality of life. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)
can be used to assess the impact of oral health on an individual’s
life, self-image, social interactions and work/school performance.
Understanding the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of
groups of individuals with poorer OHRQoL is crucial for the preparation
of successful and effective public health approaches to improve and
strengthen oral health. Methods: In the »National Survey on Oral Health
of Children and Adolescents in Slovenia in 2019« we used a questionnaire
with which we also monitored 6 indicators of OHRQoL. Questions
related to difficulties with eating food, tense feelings, difficulties in
carrying out school work, the presence of toothache, the presence of
sores/ulcers and awkwardness due to the appearance of teeth. Children
aged 6–17 were included in the study. In the group of children with
poorer OHRQoL we included individuals that answered at least one
question with occasionally or more often. Results: At least one OHRQoL
limitation occurred occasionally or more often in 22.5% of participants.
Painful gums/sores in the mouth were the most common (10.6%), 6.6%
of children and adolescents were embarrassed because of the appearance
of their teeth, 6.0% felt tense because of oral cavity/teeth problems,
5.5% had toothache, 4.8% experienced difficulties with eating food due
to oral cavity/teeth problems and 4.1% had difficulties carrying out
school work due to problems with their oral cavity/teeth. One or more
limitations were more frequent in girls (girls 24.9%, boys 20.4%). At least
one of the limitations was more common in children aged 6–7 (24.5%),
the proportion decreased in the age group 8–10 (19.5%) and increased
to 25.2% at age 15–17 years. The proportion of children and adolescents
Factors related to oral health-related quality
of life among children and adolescents
in Slovenia
Anja Magajna1, Barbara Artnik2, Martin Ranfl3
1 National Institute of Public Health, Regional Unit Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
2 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 National Institute of Public Health, Regional Unit Murska Sobota, Murska Sobota, Slovenia
anja.magajna@nijz.si; barbara.artnik@mf.uni-lj.si; martin.ranfl@nijz.si
Abstract
Introduction: Oral health is a part of general health. Problems with
the oral cavity and/or teeth cause pain, discomfort and limitations in
performing the function of the orofacial system and other daily tasks
and reduce quality of life. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)
can be used to assess the impact of oral health on an individual’s
life, self-image, social interactions and work/school performance.
Understanding the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of
groups of individuals with poorer OHRQoL is crucial for the preparation
of successful and effective public health approaches to improve and
strengthen oral health. Methods: In the »National Survey on Oral Health
of Children and Adolescents in Slovenia in 2019« we used a questionnaire
with which we also monitored 6 indicators of OHRQoL. Questions
related to difficulties with eating food, tense feelings, difficulties in
carrying out school work, the presence of toothache, the presence of
sores/ulcers and awkwardness due to the appearance of teeth. Children
aged 6–17 were included in the study. In the group of children with
poorer OHRQoL we included individuals that answered at least one
question with occasionally or more often. Results: At least one OHRQoL
limitation occurred occasionally or more often in 22.5% of participants.
Painful gums/sores in the mouth were the most common (10.6%), 6.6%
of children and adolescents were embarrassed because of the appearance
of their teeth, 6.0% felt tense because of oral cavity/teeth problems,
5.5% had toothache, 4.8% experienced difficulties with eating food due
to oral cavity/teeth problems and 4.1% had difficulties carrying out
school work due to problems with their oral cavity/teeth. One or more
limitations were more frequent in girls (girls 24.9%, boys 20.4%). At least
one of the limitations was more common in children aged 6–7 (24.5%),
the proportion decreased in the age group 8–10 (19.5%) and increased
to 25.2% at age 15–17 years. The proportion of children and adolescents
