Risk factors and oral health-related quality of life: A case–control comparison between patients after a first-episode psychosis and people from general population

INTRODUCTION: No research is available about the oral health risk factors and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.

AIM: To compare oral health risk factors and OHRQoL in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first-episode) to people with no history of psychotic disorder.

METHOD: A case-control comparison (1:2) multivariable linear regression analysis and an estimation of prevalence of impact on OHRQoL.

RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first-episode) have lower OHRQoL with more associated risk factors. Of the patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first-episode), 14.8% reported a negative impact on OHRQoL, higher than the prevalence of 1.8% found in people from the general population.

DISCUSSION: The high prevalence rate of a negative impact on OHRQoL in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first-episode) shows the importance of acting at an early stage to prevent a worse outcome.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight the need for oral health interventions in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (first-episode). Mental health nurses, as one of the main health professionals supporting the health of patients diagnosed with a mental health disorder, can support oral health (e.g. assess oral health in somatic screening) in order to improve the OHRQoL.