Associated factors for oral health problems in a sample of Saudi cancer patients

Abstract

PurposeOral health in cancer patients was known to influence the quality of life. However, the knowledge of possible factors associated with oral health in cancer patients is seriously lacking in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we aimed to determine the burden of adverse oral health in cancer patients and identify the associated factors for oral health problems.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study design was used to recruit a total of 375 cancer patients who attended oncology outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City – Riyadh (KAMC-R) by using a consecutive sampling technique. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic information, clinical symptoms, and lifestyle factors of cancer patients. Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed by using Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The authors assessed the oral health complaints based on seven common conditions (bleeding gums, toothache, mouth ulcers, bruxism, xerostomia, problems affecting speech, and satisfactory dietary intake). Unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CIs for the factors associated with the number of oral complaints experienced were computed using Poisson regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of oral health conditions experienced by cancer patients was 86.1% (95% CI: 82.2%–89.5%). Female sex (aRR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–1.78), low income (aRR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.23–2.04), smoking (aRR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.02–1.64), anxiety (aRR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.36–2.24), and stress (aRR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.00–1.55) were associated with increased risk of oral health problems in cancer patients (p≤0.05), whereas breast cancer patients experienced reduced risk (aRR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.93).ConclusionOur study highlighted the significant burden of oral health problems in Saudi cancer patients at KAMC-R and identified several key associated factors for oral health to aid healthcare practitioners in improving cancer management practices.

Psychological symptoms in adult Saudi Arabian cancer patients: prevalence and association with self-rated oral health

“…A single study has documented the oral health status among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia, 16 which reported the prevalence of oral health problems. Lack of studies on oral health status among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia has directed the attention of the study authors to explore its relation with anxiety, depression, and stress.…”

The silent epidemic of common oral diseases among the Arab population

“…Further, oral health problems in cancer patients were positively associated relatively with female sex, low income, smoking, the presence of breast cancer, anxiety, and stress. [ 56 ] Interestingly, one study drew attention to the various areas of inadequacies in the knowledge of dentists in the Arab world with respect to the early detection of oral cancer. [ 57 ]…”

Dental Care in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

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