Evaluation of Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy

Objective: To evaluate the oral health related quality of life in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy. Design of the Study: It’s a case control study. Study Settings: The study was conducted at department of Oncology Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi and District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi from Feb 2021 to Sep 2021. Material and Methods: Total 300 patients aged 18 years and above diagnosed with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy for a minimum period of 1 month were included in this study. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) is a 14 item pre-validated questionnaire graded on five point Likert scale used to assess Oral Health related Quality of Life based on seven dimensions of impacts of oral conditions on people’s OHRQoL. Pearson correlation and Spearman’s correlation were used to find out correlation between oral health status and quality of life. Results of the Study: Among Head and neck cancer group: 45(30.0%) were 35 to 44 years; 44(29.3%) were 45-64 years and 41(27.4%) were 65-74 years age group. Among Head and neck cancer group: 99(66.0%) were males and 51(34.0%) were females. The overall Mean SF-12 scores of head and neck cancer patients was significantly lower as compare to control patients (30.89±4.66 36.14±3.75<0.001). Mean oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) was significantly lower in head and cancer group patients as compared to controls (18.35±7.48 vs. 11.14±8.18; <0.001). Conclusion: It is proved that radiotherapy have a serious influence on oral health of the patients. Considering the influence of radiotherapy on oral health of the patient, assessment of the oral cavity should be done in routine assessment by the dentistry consultant. The OHIP-14 questionnaire has evident to be consistent and valid instrument for assessment of quality of life related to oral health in cancer patients. Among cancer patients this questionnaire should be considered in the protocol of the treatment about complications of oral health and for their optimal well-being. Keywords: cancer, quality of life, oral-health, head and neck cancer