Relations between oral health and work ability among administrative workers

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the relationships between perceived oral health quality of life and work ability index. Methods: The data regarding administrative workers of a private textile company in São Paulo - Brazil, included socio-demographic, occupational characteristics, self-perceived oral health (OHIP 14) and self-perceived work ability index (WAI). Results: The response rate of the questionnaires was 75.20% and the reliability of the instruments (Conbrach’s alpha) was 0.89 for OHIP 14 and 0.64 for WAI. Linear multiple regression analyses showed that OHIP 14 was associated with educational level (p=0.009) and work ability index (p=0.001) of workers, regardless of other variables. Conclusions: These results showed the importance of adopting oral health programs in private companies to improve oral health and work ability.

Keywords

• Occupational dentistry
• Oral health
• Work capacity evaluation