Determinants of oral-health related quality of life and overall quality of life among early adolescents with type-1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To identify determinants of oral health-quality of life (OHRQoL) and its association with overall quality of life (QoL).

BASIC RESEARCH

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analytic study. Predictors variables were selected based on Wilson and Cleary's model for patient outcomes including individual factors and socioeconomic status (SES) to represent environmental and clinical/biological factors.

PARTICIPANTS

444 children aged 11 to 14 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OHRQoL and overall QoL. Data were analysed using univariate correlation coefficients and structural equation modelling. The initial path was analysed for the goodness-of-fit. The level of significance adjusted at 5% and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In the final model, sense of coherence (SOC) and dental coping behaviour displayed direct and indirect effects on OHRQoL and QoL. Gingival condition and metabolic disease control displayed bidirectional effects on overall QoL. SES was directly and indirectly associated with OHRQoL. The fit of final model indicators was CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.99. AGFI = 0.68, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA =0.03, χ² = 13.25, and χ²/d.f. ratio = 1.43 (p ⟩ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhancing the SOC and SE of early adolescents with T1DM may improve their oral-health related quality of life and overall quality of life.