SOCIOECONOMIC, BEHAVIORAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL HEALTH IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Oral health is an essential component of overall health and quality of life. Growing evidence suggests that socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors, and psychological factors play an important role in shaping oral health outcomes. However, limited data are available from Pakistan that examine these factors collectively. This study aimed to assess the association between socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychological factors and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adults living in Peshawar. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 adults aged 18 years and above residing in Peshawar. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, psychosocial variables, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Associations between independent variables and OHRQoL were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. The majority of participants reported good OHRQoL (96%). High levels of psychological distress were observed, with 62.7% reporting depression and 66.0% reporting anxiety. Participants with higher levels of depression and anxiety had significantly higher OHIP-14 scores, indicating poorer OHRQoL. Socioeconomic factors such as education and income, as well as behavioral factors including tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and alcohol use, were not significantly associated with OHRQoL. After adjustment for confounders, psychological factors showed no independent association in multivariable analysis.

 Psychological distress, particularly depression and anxiety, was associated with poorer oral health–related quality of life among adults in Peshawar. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health considerations into oral health promotion and dental care strategies.