BMC Public Health (Aug 2025)

Prevalence and predictors of poor oral health-related quality of life among the Saudi elderly

  • Mostafa A. Abolfotouh,
  • Meshal D. Alhayf,
  • Ali S. Al-Shaer,
  • Faisal K. Almutairi,
  • Dhay F. Alotaibi,
  • Norah A. Alhawas,
  • Najla Alrejaye

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23996-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Saudi senior populations has been investigated. Yet, studies were conducted in a confined area or city with smaller sample sizes, using different OHRQoL measures, and none mentioned the rate of poor OHRQoL. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of poor OHRQoL in elderly Saudi Arabians, using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Methods An anonymous, Arabic-validated OHIP-14 questionnaire was used in a community-based cross-sectional study of 706 senior citizens in Saudi Arabia utilizing SurveyMonkey. Each of the seven domains in OHIP-14 has two questions that must be answered on a 5-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicated poorer QoL. Poor QOL was reported by those who answered “fairly often” or “very often” at least once. Participant demographics, dental healthcare behaviors, and perceived oral health (OH) status were all gathered. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictors of poor OHRQoL. Results Poor OHRQoL was noted by nearly half of the individuals (47.5%). The domain with the largest percentage was physical pain (40.8%), followed by physical disability (23.4%), and psychological disability (22.8%). The domain with the lowest percentage was social disability (13.5%). While smoking was a significant risk factor (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.08–3.48, p = 0.027) for poor OHRQoL, having dental insurance (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.90, p < 0.001) and having a positive perception of OH status (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.30–0.54, p < 0.001) were the significant protective factors after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion Nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s elderly population had poor OHRQoL. Smoking was a major risk factor for poor OHRQoL, and dental insurance was a significant protective factor. A positive perceived OH status indicates good OHRQoL. Health education seminars on quitting smoking should be conducted. Elderly people’s dental insurance should be a top priority.

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