Influence of sense of coherence on oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature for scientific evidence regarding the association between a sense of coherence (SOC) and oral health-related of quality of life (OHRQoL). Electronic searches were performed in five databases. Manual searches were also performed. To be included, studies needed to address the relationship between SOC and OHRQoL. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scales for cross-sectional and cohort studies and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale for clinical trials. Seven cross-sectional studies, four cohort studies, and one clinical trial were included in the present review. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted that data, and performed the evaluations of methodological quality based on the standardized scales. The majority of authors found a significant association between a weak SOC and greater impact on OHRQoL, but some methodological flaws were found in the execution of the studies. Based on the analysis of the studies included in the present systematic review, there is scientific evidence that a sense of coherence exerts an influence on oral health-related quality of life, but further population-based studies are needed to confirm such evidence.