Reliability of Spanish version of the quality masticatory function questionnaire: Changes in masticatory ability and oral health-related quality of life after partial removable dental prosthesis insertion.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The Quality of Masticatory Function Questionnaire (QMFQ) is a subjective instrument used to assess patient-reported outcome measures. The reliability of the Spanish version (QMFQ Sp) has not yet been established. Furthermore, changes in QMFQ Sp and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) following the replacement of missing teeth with partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs) may help clinicians justify this treatment option to patients.

PURPOSE: This research aimed to determine the reliability of the QMFQ Sp and changes to the QMFQ Sp and OHIP-14 after the insertion of PRDPs.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In total, 10 controls were included for test-retest assessments of the QMFQ Sp, and 26 partially edentulous patients were included to evaluate changes in QMFQ Sp and OHIP-14 after PRDP insertion. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach α test were used to calculate repeatability and internal consistency. The Friedman test with Bonferroni correction was used to compare differences in the QMFQ Sp and OHIP-14 from baseline to 1 week and 3 months after treatment (α=.05).

RESULTS

The ICC was 0.91 (P<.001) and Cronbach α 0.93. The QMFQ Sp score reduced significantly from 45.8 to 16 (P<.001), and the OHIP-14 reduced significantly from 7.9 to 3.5 (P<.001) after the 3-month adaptation period to the PRDP.

CONCLUSIONS

The QMFQ Sp exhibited excellent repeatability and internal consistency. When rehabilitated with a PRDP, partially edentulous patients perceived significant improvements of 26% and 7% in masticatory ability and oral health-related quality of life, respectively.