Exploring the link between depression, anxiety, and oral health-related quality of life - A cross-sectional study in 2 Arab countries

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

To investigate the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depression and anxiety.

Q: Where and when was the online survey conducted?

In Jordan and Saudi Arabia between September and November 2024.

Q: Which tools were used to measure OHRQoL, depression, and anxiety?

OHRQoL was measured using OHIP-14, depression with PHQ-9, and anxiety with GAD-7, all selected from previously validated tools.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man

Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety impair daily activity and performance, including self-care and personal hygiene, making oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) an important multidimensional outcome. This online cross-sectional survey in Jordan and Saudi Arabia (September to November 2024) evaluates the association between OHRQoL and depression/anxiety using OHIP-14, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 in 2704 participants. Moderate to severe depression affected 56.0%, severe anxiety 21.4%, with mean OHIP 14.9/56 (SD 12.6). Physical pain showed the highest mean score (2.8), while functional limitation was lowest (1.5). OHIP scores correlated positively with PHQ-9 (R=0.395, 95% CI 0.363–0.426, P<.001) and GAD-7 (R=0.416, 95% CI 0.385–0.447, P<.001). Oral issues exert low to moderate impact on QoL, and physical pain more strongly reflects the effect on well-being.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

® Observational Study Exploring the link between depression, anxiety, and oral health-related quality of life A cross-sectional study in 2 Arab countries Mohammed I. Alsaif, PhDa ,* , Abdullah S. Bin Rahmah, PhDa , Abdallah Y. Naser, PhDb | Abstract
Mental disorders such as depression affects the daily activity and performance. including self-care behaviors and personal hygiene. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a complex concept that includes social, psychological, and physical aspects. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between OHRQoL and depression and anxiety. This is an online crosssectional survey study that was performed in Jordan and Saudi Arabia between September and November 2024. This research utilized 3 previously validated tools to achieve the study aim of examining the link between OHRQoL and depression and anxiety. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and General Anxiety Disorder-7 . This study involved 2704 participants. Among our participants, the prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 56.0%, the prevalence of severe anxiety was 21 .4%, and the mean OHIP score was 14.9 (standard deviation SD]: 12.6) out of 56, which implies a low to moderate impact on participants’OHRQoL. Physical pain dimension showed the higher mean score with 2.8 (SD: 2.3); which reflects discomfort and pain caused by dental conditions. Functional limitation dimension showed the lowest mean score with 1.5 (SD: 1.9); which reflects practical difficulties caused by oral health issues (such as speech or taste impairment) . Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a moderately positive correlation between OHIP score and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score R = =0 .395; 95% confidence interval: 0.363–0.426; P-value < .001) and a moderately positive correlation between OHIP score and General Anxiety Disorder-7 score R = =0 .416; 95% confidence interval: 0.385–0.447; P-value < .001) . Oral health issues demonstrated low to moderate impact on participants’QoL. Physical pain was more noticeable issue that affected participants’QoL due to their oral health issues compared to functional limitation dimension. Oral-related QoL is negatively affecting the psychological status of individuals due to its impact on their emotional well-being. Healthcare professionals are advised to give attention to both oral and mental health of their patients. | | --- | | Abbreviations: OHIP-14 = oral health impact profile-14 , OHRQoL = oral health-related quality of life, PHQ-9 = patient health questionnaire-9, SD = standard deviation. | | Keywords: anxiety, depression, jordan, oral, quality of life, Saudi Arabia | 1. Introduction Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression were increased in the last decades, and considered as the most common mental disorders in the United States. [1] Moreover, the mental health disorders incidence and prevalence was increased significantly by COVID-19 pandemic specially in adults. [2] Several factors associated with anxiety and depression in adulthood, for instance, lifestyle factors, socioeconomic factors, and other health-related factors. [3,4] Mental disorders, including depression, affect daily activity and performance, such as personal hygiene and self-care behaviors. Anxiety can cause apprehension that influences day-to-day The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose. The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The research ethics committee at Isra University, Amman, Jordan, approved the study protocol (SREC/24/09/114). Informed consent was obtained from the study participants prior to study commencement. a Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, b Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, I

FAQs

What is the purpose of this study?

To investigate the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depression and anxiety.

Where and when was the online survey conducted?

In Jordan and Saudi Arabia between September and November 2024.

Which tools were used to measure OHRQoL, depression, and anxiety?

OHRQoL was measured using OHIP-14, depression with PHQ-9, and anxiety with GAD-7, all selected from previously validated tools.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man