Resumen

SMIT, D  y  NAIDOO, S. Oral-health related quality and substance use disorder. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2026, vol.81, n.2, pp.104-109. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v81i02.24177.

WHY THE WORK WAS DONE: The oral health impact of substance use disorder (SUD) has been comprehensively described, but not as yet been investigated for its effect on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) especially within the South African context. HOW THE WORK WAS DONE: A cross-sectional study with a mixed methods approach was applied to investigate the oral health impact of SUD and the objective was to assess OHRQoL of drug users admitted to a treatment centre. A validated questionnaire (OHIP-14) supported by clinical oral examinations was applied to achieve the aim of the research project. A sample of 504 patients enrolled in a treatment programme for SUD within the Western Cape was included in the study. All ethical considerations were adhered to. WHAT ARE THE MAIN FINDINGS: The physical pain and psychological discomfort dimensions of the instrument showed the highest negative impact on OHRQoL with a mean of 3.51 and 3.4 respectively. A significant difference in OHIP-14 score was detected for those who used alcohol as well as for those who used methamphetamine as a primary drug. Those who used heroin/opiates and methamphetamine had the highest OHIP-14 score. A multivariate regression analysis found that 19% of the variability in the OHIP score could be explained by the combined effect of the risk predictors cigarette smoking, DMFT score, poly-drug use, level of education, number of extractions needed, active caries and having a medical condition or not. WHY THE WORK IS IMPORTANT: The present study highlighted the drug-specific oral health impact of SUD and reaffirmed dental status and oral health behaviours are poor among these patients. Therefore, oral health professionals as well as staff at treatment centres can play a significant part in placing more emphasis on oral health during treatment for SUD.

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