The subjective meaning of xerostomia—an aggravating misery

Abstract

Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, is associated with qualitative and quantitative changes of saliva. Poor health, certain medications and radiation therapy constitute major risk factors. To gain further understanding of this condition the present study explored the main concern of xerostomia expressed by affl icted adults. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 participants and analysed according to the grounded theory method. An aggravating misery was identifi ed as the core category, meaning that the main concern of xerostomia is its devastating and debilitating impact on multiple domains of well-being. Professional consultation, search for affi rmation and social withdrawal were strategies of management. The fi ndings reveal that xerostomia is not a trivial condition for those suffering. Oral impairment as well as physical and psychosocial consequences of xerostomia has a negative impact on quality of life. There is an obvious need to enhance professional competence to improve the compassion for and the support of individuals affl icted by xerostomia. copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Experiences of xerostomia after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer: A qualitative study

“…This distress can ultimately affect patients’ social lives. Consistent with previous studies of patients with xerostomia (Charalambous, ; Dirix et al., ; Folke et al., ; Mortensen & Paaske, ; Rydholm & Strang, ), the patients in this study tended to avoid socialising, preferring to be alone in a quiet place. What is more, our patients intentionally withdrew from social activities, as witnessed by their decreased attendance at parties, avoidance of dining outside the home, and reduced communication and interactions at work and with friends and family.…”

“…Furthermore, healthcare professionals did not provide sufficient information and support for these patients suffering from xerostomia, which is consistent with previous findings by Charalambous () and Folke et al. (). Charalambous () reported that healthcare professionals did not adequately assess xerostomia.…”

“…Charalambous () reported that healthcare professionals did not adequately assess xerostomia. Moreover, even when patients described their experience of xerostomia and its subsequent effects, and how these influenced their daily lives, these problems were poorly managed—reportedly because of indifference, insufficient knowledge and rushing on the part of healthcare professionals (Charalambous, ; Folke et al., ). This same situation was found in the present study, and as a result, patients sought information from family members or media rather than from healthcare professionals.…”

“…Finally, the various codes were compared and classified into 18 subcategories and five categories. The meaning underlying the categories finally formed a theme, which constituted the latent content (Folke, Paulsson, Fridlund, & Soderfeldt, ). Quotations from each subcategory were used to illustrate the results.…”

The correlation between occurrence of dental caries and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of elderly population in Yogyakarta Special Region

“…31 Social interactions may also be affected due to a decreased selfesteem caused by difficulties in speech and mastication. 40 All of those impacts of dental caries in turn affect OHRQoL negatively. This is the first study conducted in Yogyakarta Special Region to correlate the occurrence of dental caries and OHRQoL in elderly population.…”