Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Impact of Malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Rural Adolescents in Hamirpur Block, Himachal Pradesh, India | Chapter 3 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 1

Malocclusion is one of the three major oral diseases and may cause deterioration in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Factors affecting oral health can impact physical and economic well-being and quality of life by influencing functionality, appearance, relationships, social interactions, self-esteem and psychological health. Unlike other medical and dental conditions, malocclusion is a ‘set of dental deviations’ rather than a disease. Orthodontic treatments address these deviations from a normative standard rather than curing a pathological condition. This study aimed to examine the effect of malocclusion on OHRQoL using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire for OHRQoL among school-going children in the Hamirpur Block of Himachal Pradesh, India. This cross-sectional study was conducted in government senior secondary schools of Hamirpur Block, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 294 students aged 12–18 participated in this study. The assessment tools used to determine the need for orthodontic treatment included the OHIP-14 questionnaire for OHRQoL and the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN. Data were analysed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 23, with statistical significance defined at P < 0.05.

 

Of the 294 samples, the highest proportion (approximately 29%) exhibited borderline treatment needs, whereas the lowest proportion (approximately 6%) had high treatment needs. Overall, treatment needs were identified in approximately 165 individuals, accounting for approximately 56% of the total samples. Self-consciousness was the most prevalent factor, observed in 81% of the participants. The mean overall score (± SD) was 4.29 ± 5.25. Physical disability exerted the least impact (0.19 ± 0.42), whereas psychological discomfort had the most significant effect (1.51 ± 1.67). A high need for orthodontic treatment significantly impacted the participants’ overall OHRQoL score across all domains of OHIP-14. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses of OHIP-14 regarding IOTN–DHC, sex, and age group revealed a significant association between normative orthodontic treatment needs and overall OHIP-14 scores. In either analysis, boys had a statistically nonsignificant lower impact score than girls. With increasing age, the impact score for quality of life declined significantly for the 15–16 age group in multivariate analysis.

 

Malocclusion negatively affects OHRQoL and its various domains. Individuals with Grade 5 malocclusion (indicating a high treatment need) experience a considerable negative impact on their overall OHRQoL score across all domains of OHIP-14. Further research is needed to comprehend how the need for orthodontic treatment changes as individuals age. In future, investigations should employ standardised tools for assessing both malocclusion and OHRQoL.

 

 Author(s) Details

Abhimanyu Singh Chauhan
Dr. Radhakrishnan Govt. Medical College, Hamirpur (H.P), India.

 

Sharmila Debarmma
Dr. Radhakrishnan Govt. Medical College, Hamirpur (H.P), India.

 

Anupriya Sharma
Dr. Radhakrishnan Govt. Medical College, Hamirpur (H.P), India.

 

Kanchan Chauhan
Dr. Radhakrishnan Govt. Medical College, Hamirpur (H.P), India.

 

Manish Goyal
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Govt Medical College, Nahan, Sirmour (HP), India.

 

Ashish Sharm
AIIMS, Bilapur (H.P), India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v1/6529


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