Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Dependent Patients in Muang-Trang District, Trang Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to assess the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among dependent patients in Mueang Trang District, Trang Province. A total of 215 participants were included. Data were collected was conducted between February and April 2025 using a structured questionnaire covering personal, clinical, and environmental factors. The questionnaire was validated by five experts, with an item–objective congruence (IOC) index ranging from 0.6 to 1.0, and the standardized OHIP-14 instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92). Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum. The results showed that most participants were female (67.44%) with a mean age of 73.85±0.60 years. The majority brushed their teeth twice daily (73.46%), while 33.49% had poor oral cleanliness. The mean number of natural teeth was 19.11±8.47, with an average of 3.37±3.08 occluding pairs. Dry mouth with reduced saliva flow (77.21%) of participants. Most had access to oral hygiene equipment (95.81%) and caregivers (81.86%). Oral health problems mainly affected physical disability (32.56%), physical pain (25.55%), and social disadvantage (20.00%). The findings underscore the need to enhance access to dental care, promote prosthetic rehabilitation, and strengthen oral hygiene practices, together with providing essential facilities and motivational support for dependent patients to reduce adverse oral health impacts on daily living and improve their quality of life.