Abstract
Background The aim of the recent study was to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem (SE) in a group of Syrian children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) living in war zones and to compare results with healthy controls.Methods A total of 119 children (57 PTSD children vs. 62 healthy controls) aged between 10 and 14 years joined the present study. Child Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (CPTSD-RI) was utilized to confirm the diagnosis of PTSD symptoms. Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ 11-14 ) was used to study OHRQoL. SE was measured with a subscale of the Child health questionnaire-child form87 (CHQ-CF87). T-tests for independent samples and Chi-square test utilized for in assessing the differences between groups.Results PTSD children had significantly more oral symptoms such as bleeding gums ( p =0.001), mouth and food between teeth ( p =0.000) when compared to healthy controls. They also had more troubles in sleeping ( p =0.019) and chewing hard food ( p =0.001). In addition, PTSD children had significantly ( p =0.000) more difficulty in opening their mouth wide and eating hot or cold food. They felt unsure about their selves ( p =0.009) and felt unsecure about health ( p =0.025) and appearance ( p =0.000). Children with PTSD showed troubles in attention ( p =0.001) and doing homework ( p =0.000). They also avoided both activities ( p =0.001), being around other children ( p =0.007) and even felt left out ( p =0.015) more frequently than healthy peers. SE scores were lower in PTSD children when compared to controls (60.96±18.71 vs. 81.01±11.13 respectively).Conclusions PTSD had negative impact on OHRQoL and SE of war-affected children. More studies are needed to confirm whether improving symptoms of PTSD may lead to better SE and OHRQoL.
Health-related quality of life and post-traumatic stress disorder in inpatients injured in the Ludian earthquake: a longitudinal study
