Development of a condition-specific measure to assess quality of life in patients with hypodontia.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a measure to assess quality of life in patients with hypodontia.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study was divided into two parts. The first phase involved developing a patient-specific questionnaire using 22 patients with hypodontia in five focus groups. The transcripts from these groups were analysed thematically, and emerging themes used to direct the remaining focus groups. When no new themes were identified, it was assumed that data saturation was reached and no further focus groups were organised. In the second phase of the study, a health-related quality of life questionnaire was developed.

RESULTS

Analysis of transcripts revealed four themes: treatment, effect on daily activities, appearance and other peoples' reactions. These themes were incorporated into a questionnaire. The readability, ease of administration, face and content validity of the questionnaire were tested.

CONCLUSIONS

A new measure for assessment of quality of life in patients with hypodontia is presented.