Abstract
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.