Oral health and daily performance in adults in Chapeco, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The use of subjective indicators in dentistry has been increasing. This was a population-based cross-sectional study in the city of Chapeco, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, analyzing the relationship between oral health conditions and quality of life in 35-44-year-old adults (n = 622). A further objective was to observe the influence of habits, dental visits, self-evaluation of health status, and socio-demographic characteristics in this process. The sample was selected using a multiple-stage approach. Trained professionals collected the data. A multiple non-conditional, hierarchical logistic regression model was used to analyze the determinants of low (Oral Impact on Daily Performance - OIDP <= 3) and high (OIDP >= 10) interference of oral health in daily routine. The response rate was 81%. Oral health status was found to interfere in the daily routine of 20.7% of participants and was more severe for 11.4%. Household crowding, low-income neighborhoods, female gender, and orofacial pain in the previous six months were associated with higher interference in quality of life. The use of subjective indicators in public health services planning and definition of priority groups for delivery of oral health services is highly recommended.