Oral health and oral health-related quality of life in a homeless population in Ireland: a pilot study

Abstract

##Background Smile agus Sláinte – the National Oral Health Policy (2019), aims to reduce oral health inequalities by enabling vulnerable groups, including the homeless, to access oral healthcare. However, there is sparse evidence regarding the oral health of people experiencing homelessness. This study aims to assess the oral health and oral health-related impact on quality of life among homeless adults for the first time in an Irish population. ##Methods A pilot cross-sectional epidemiological study of homeless adults in Cork City, Ireland, including clinical examination and interviewer-administered questionnaire and OHIP-14 survey, was conducted. A convenience sample was recruited in collaboration with homeless service providers. ##Results The sample consisted of 25 participants. The mean D3vcMFT of the participants was 19.4 (SD ± 7.1). The D3vcT% was 41.8%. Participants had poor oral hygiene, and 70.8% had periodontal pocketing of 4mm or more. Some 79% of participants had experienced dental trauma. Participants’ most commonly reported oral health-related impacts on quality of life were feeling embarrassed (60%), feeling uncomfortable to eat (56%), feeling self-conscious (48%), and painful aching (48%). Conclusions ##Homeless adults in Ireland experience extreme oral health inequalities. To achieve the goals of Smile agus Sláinte, a foundation of high-quality epidemiological evidence is required. Further research will require extensive collaboration with homeless service providers and the wider health profession, and should seek to inform the design of oral healthcare services for homeless adults.