Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the convergence between the domains of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant image (AUQUEI) and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) in the mixed dentition. A sample of 676 children aged 8 to 10 years responded to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaires using the AUQUEI and the CPQ_8-10, respectively. Clinical (dental caries and malocclusion) and socioeconomic variables were assessed. The validity of convergence between scores (total and per domain) of the two instruments was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis, considering that non-zero coefficient values represented a correlation between scores. The median was calculated to compare the scores of each questionnaire relative to the variables, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to determine statistically significant differences between the categories. A weak significant correlation (between 0.30 and 0.50) was observed between the domains and the total scores of instruments (p < 0.05), except for the leisure domain (p > 0.05). Participants with a lower family income had worse HRQoL (p < 0.05), and those with caries and malocclusion experience had worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10 instruments showed a weak correlation. Income and clinical variables had a negative impact on the AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10, respectively.

Quality of life; Oral health; Children; Dentition, Mixed

Introduction

Quality of life is used as a measure of satisfaction with life, influenced by social and economic factors and the state of general health.¹1. Breidablik HJ, Meland E, Lydersen S. Self-rated health in adolescence: a multifactorial composite. Scand J Public Health. 2008 Jan;36(1):12-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494807085306
https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494807085306...

2. Jessani A, Choi J, El-Rabbany A, Lefoka P, Quadri MF, Laronde DM. Oral health and psychosocial predictors of quality of life and general well-being among adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Children (Basel). 2021 Jul;8(7):582. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582
https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582... -³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... Socioeconomic factors, age, and education can have a decisive influence on the perception of satisfaction with life.²2. Jessani A, Choi J, El-Rabbany A, Lefoka P, Quadri MF, Laronde DM. Oral health and psychosocial predictors of quality of life and general well-being among adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Children (Basel). 2021 Jul;8(7):582. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582
https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582... ,⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... Furthermore, oral health appears to have an impact on general health and, consequently, on quality of life⁵5. Seymour GJ. Good oral health is essential for good general health: the oral-systemic connection. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2007;13(4):1-2. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01797.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007... , as it can represent pain and/or suffering, change in eating habits, speech, and social interaction.²2. Jessani A, Choi J, El-Rabbany A, Lefoka P, Quadri MF, Laronde DM. Oral health and psychosocial predictors of quality of life and general well-being among adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Children (Basel). 2021 Jul;8(7):582. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582
https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582...

3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... -⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,⁶6. Jin LJ, Lamster IB, Greenspan JS, Pitts NB, Scully C, Warnakulasuriya S. Global burden of oral diseases: emerging concepts, management and interplay with systemic health. Oral Dis. 2016 Oct;22(7):609-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12428
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12428... Thus, to assess the general quality of life and the OHRQoL, irrespective of the instrument used, the social, environmental, political, and cultural context of each of them should be considered.³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-...

Around the age of eight, children can identify physical characteristics related to their appearance based on criteria similar to those used by adults.⁷7. Vedovello SA, Ambrosano GM, Pereira AC, Valdrighi HC, Vedovello Filho M, Meneghim MC. Association between malocclusion and the contextual factors of quality of life and socioeconomic status. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Jul;150(1):58-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12.022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12....

8. Guimarães SP, Jorge KO, Fontes MJ, Ramos-Jorge ML, Araújo CT, Ferreira EF, et al. Impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life among schoolchildren. Braz Oral Res. 2018;32(0):e95. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0095
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-201... -⁹9. Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Valdrighi HC, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA. Esthetic impact of maxillary midline diastema and mandibular crowding in children in the mixed dentition. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2022 Mar;161(3):390-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.031
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.... Although some characteristics of occlusion during mixed dentition do not constantly configure the presence of malocclusion, it is during this phase that the most remarkable and most significant changes in children’s occlusion occur.⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,⁹9. Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Valdrighi HC, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA. Esthetic impact of maxillary midline diastema and mandibular crowding in children in the mixed dentition. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2022 Mar;161(3):390-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.031
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.... Moreover, mixed dentition is the phase that allows most interceptive orthodontic procedures,¹⁰10. Araújo CV, Menezes CC, Santamaria-Jr M, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA. Should midline diastema in mixed dentition be an aesthetic concern? Orthod Craniofac Res. 2023 Aug;26(3)331-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12613
https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12613... which justifies understanding of the multidimensional aspects that are involved in this period.

The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ_8-10)¹¹11. Jokovic A, Locker D, Tompson B, Guyatt G. Questionnaire for measuring oral health-related quality of life in eight- to ten-year-old children. Pediatr Dent. 2004;26(6):512-8.

12. Barbosa TS, Vicentin MD, Gavião MB. Qualidade de vida e saúde bucal em crianças - Parte I: versão brasileira do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 8-10. Cien Saude Colet. 2011 Oct;16(10):4077-85. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011001100013
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-8123201100... -¹³13. Duarte-Rodrigues L, Ramos-Jorge J, Drumond CL, Diniz PB, Marques LS, Ramos-Jorge ML. Correlation and comparative analysis of the CPQ8-10 and child-OIDP indexes for dental caries and malocclusion. Braz Oral Res. 2017 Dec;31(0):e111. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2017.vol31.0111
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-201... is widely used to assess children’s perception of the impacts of oral health problems on quality of life.¹²12. Barbosa TS, Vicentin MD, Gavião MB. Qualidade de vida e saúde bucal em crianças - Parte I: versão brasileira do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 8-10. Cien Saude Colet. 2011 Oct;16(10):4077-85. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011001100013
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-8123201100... Whereas Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQUEI) evaluates the HRQoL based on the principle that this developing individual can express this condition subjectivity.¹⁴14. Rezende BA, Lemos SM, Medeiros AM. Quality of life and health self-perception in children with poor school performance. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2017;35(4):415-21. https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;4;00009
https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/... The questionnaire is based on the child’s satisfaction with the family, social activities, health, bodily functions, and separation from the family, identified in images that express different moods.³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... ,⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,¹⁴14. Rezende BA, Lemos SM, Medeiros AM. Quality of life and health self-perception in children with poor school performance. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2017;35(4):415-21. https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;4;00009
https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/... ,¹⁵15. Assumpção FB Jr, Kuczynski E, Sprovieri MH, Aranha EM. [Quality of life evaluation scale (AUQEI): validity and reliability of a quality of life scale for children 4 to 12 years-old]. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2000 Mar;58(1):119-27. Portuguese. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2000000100018
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X200000...

The present study tested the hypothesis that the AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10 domains are?/would be correlated. Therefore, the study aim was to correlate the AUQUEI and CPQ_8–10 domains in mixed dentition modulated by socioeconomic and clinical variables.

Methodology

The Research Ethics Committee approved the present study (#87570618.4.0000.5385). All participants and their parents/guardians were informed about the study objectives. The present study followed the STROBE statement for cross-sectional studies.¹⁶16. Vandenbroucke JP, Elm E, Altman DG, Gøtzsche PC, Mulrow CD, Pocock SJ, et al. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): explanation and elaboration. Int J Surg. 2014 Dec;12(12):1500-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.0...

A representative sample of children in the study age group was selected from public schools. Initially, 19 public schools were selected by random sampling, stratified according to the population of schoolchildren in the neighborhoods. Then, all volunteers in the age group of the schools selected were invited to participate. The sample was calculated using the EpiInfo software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA), considering a test power of 80%, a significance level of 5%, and a minimum odds ratio of 1.5. The final sample consisted of 676 children (345 girls and 331 boys).

The study included children in the mixed dentition stage determined by clinical examination.⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,¹⁷17. Van der Linden FP. Development of the dentition. Chicago: Quintessence; 1983.,¹⁸18. Vedovello SA, Carvalho AL, Azevedo LC, Santos PR, Vedovello-Filho M, Meneghim MC. Impact of anterior occlusal conditions in the mixed dentition on oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: a multivariate analysis. Angle Orthod. 2020 Feb. https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1
https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1... Individuals with systemic diseases, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, complete primary, and permanent dentures, and previous or undergoing current orthodontic treatment were excluded since they did not meet the eligibility criteria. The final sample consisted of 676 children (345 girls and 331 boys).

Data collect

The children were clinically evaluated inside the schools under natural light by a single calibrated evaluator. Before starting the data collection phase, complete training was carried out, with part of this period being used for the calibration process to verify the inter-examiner agreement. Based on the assessment of a gold standard rater, the inter-rater Kappa coefficient was greater than 0.91 and 0.93 for the clinical assessments of dental caries and malocclusion, respectively.

The presence of dental caries was diagnosed using the dmfd and DMFT-D indices according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).¹⁹19. World Health Organization. Oral health surveys. basic methods. 4th ed. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1997. The results of dental caries were dichotomized and classified into no experience of dental caries (dmfd/DMF-D = 0) and experience of dental caries (dmfd/DMF-D ≥ 1).⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... , ²⁰20. Carneiro DP, Reis LM, Gouvêa GR, Furletti-Góis VF, Vedovello-Filho M, Vedovello SA. Enamel development defects and oral symptoms: a hierarchical approach. Community Dent Health. 2020 Nov;37(4):293-8. https://doi.org/10.1922/CDH_000362020Vedovello06
https://doi.org/10.1922/CDH_000362020Ved...

Malocclusion in the mixed dentition was evaluated based on the criteria of Grabowski et al.²¹21. Grabowski R, Stahl F, Gaebel M, Kundt G. Relationship between occlusal findings and orofacial myofunctional status in primary and mixed dentition. Part I: prevalence of malocclusions. J Orofac Orthop. 2007 Jan;68(1):26-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-007-1606-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-007-1606-... The position of the upper canine determined the anteroposterior relationship in the intercuspation relationship between the lower canine and the primary first molar, configuring a Class I canine. Deviations from normal positioning were defined as Class II, Class III, and asymmetry. To define overjet, the distance between the buccal surface of the mandibular incisor and the maxillary incisal edge was considered. Overjet was normal when the distance was between 0 and 2mm, increased by > 2 mm, and decreased by <0mm; the latter configured the presence of anterior crossbite. The anterior vertical relationship (overbite) was defined as normal when the maxillary incisors covered up to 2 mm of the mandibular incisors, overbite when the maxillary incisors covered more than 2 mm of the mandibular incisors and anterior open bite, when this distance between the incisors had values ≤ 0 mm. The posterior transverse relationship was classified as normal when the maxillary arch had transverse dimensions compatible with the mandibular arch. Therefore, the presence of posterior crossbite, unilateral or bilateral, or scissor bite configured the presence of posterior crossbite.²¹21. Grabowski R, Stahl F, Gaebel M, Kundt G. Relationship between occlusal findings and orofacial myofunctional status in primary and mixed dentition. Part I: prevalence of malocclusions. J Orofac Orthop. 2007 Jan;68(1):26-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-007-1606-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-007-1606-... Children diagnosed with at least one of the above criteria outside the normal range were classified as having malocclusion.⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,⁷7. Vedovello SA, Ambrosano GM, Pereira AC, Valdrighi HC, Vedovello Filho M, Meneghim MC. Association between malocclusion and the contextual factors of quality of life and socioeconomic status. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Jul;150(1):58-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12.022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12....

AUQUEI determined the HRQoL assessment.¹⁵15. Assumpção FB Jr, Kuczynski E, Sprovieri MH, Aranha EM. [Quality of life evaluation scale (AUQEI): validity and reliability of a quality of life scale for children 4 to 12 years-old]. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2000 Mar;58(1):119-27. Portuguese. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2000000100018
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X200000... The AUQUEI is composed of 26 questions about the child’s satisfaction with family, social activities, health, bodily functions, and separation, divided into four domains: autonomy (6 questions), leisure (6 questions ), roles (6 questions) and family (8 questions). The scale uses images of four faces that express different emotional states, with possible responses: very unhappy (score 0), unhappy (score 1), happy (score 2), and very happy (score 3). The domains were scored individually, and by the sum of the total scores that could vary from 0 to 78, and the lower the value, the worse the HRQoL.³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... ,⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... ,¹⁵15. Assumpção FB Jr, Kuczynski E, Sprovieri MH, Aranha EM. [Quality of life evaluation scale (AUQEI): validity and reliability of a quality of life scale for children 4 to 12 years-old]. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2000 Mar;58(1):119-27. Portuguese. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2000000100018
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X200000...

The CPQ_8-10¹¹11. Jokovic A, Locker D, Tompson B, Guyatt G. Questionnaire for measuring oral health-related quality of life in eight- to ten-year-old children. Pediatr Dent. 2004;26(6):512-8.,¹²12. Barbosa TS, Vicentin MD, Gavião MB. Qualidade de vida e saúde bucal em crianças - Parte I: versão brasileira do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 8-10. Cien Saude Colet. 2011 Oct;16(10):4077-85. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011001100013
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-8123201100... was used to evaluate the OHRQoL. The CPQ_8-10 has 25 questions, divided into four domains: oral symptoms (5 questions), functional limitations (5 questions), emotional well-being (5 questions), and social well-being (10 questions). Response scores based on the frequency of events are established by a 5-point Likert scale: never (score 0); once or twice (score 1); sometimes (score 2); frequently (score 3) and every day or almost every day (score 4). The domains were scored individually, and by the total score, which could range from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated a greater impact on OHRQoL.¹⁸18. Vedovello SA, Carvalho AL, Azevedo LC, Santos PR, Vedovello-Filho M, Meneghim MC. Impact of anterior occlusal conditions in the mixed dentition on oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: a multivariate analysis. Angle Orthod. 2020 Feb. https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1
https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1...

Socioeconomic data is considered information derived from the family environment. Parents and/or guardians answered a questionnaire containing questions about income and education and information about the number of people who lived in the same family environment.

Data analysis

The sample was divided into four groups to compare the instruments, considering the better and worse quality of life. Values lower than the AUQUEI median indicated worse HRQoL, and values higher than the CPQ_8-10 median indicated worse HRQoL: G1: lower AUQUEI scores and lower CPQ_8-10 scores; G2: lower AUQUEI scores and higher CPQ_8-10 scores; G3: higher AUQUEI scores and lower CPQ_8-10 scores and G4: higher AUQUEI scores and higher CPQ_8-10 scores. The absolute and relative frequencies of cases were calculated for each group. The validity of convergence between the scores (total and by domain) of the two instruments was evaluated by Spearman’s correlation analysis, considering that coefficient values other than zero represent a correlation between the scores. The parameters for the correlation coefficient were 0.90–1.00 (very strong correlation), 0.70–0.90 (strong correlation), 0.50-0.70 (moderate correlation), 0.30–0.50 (weak correlation) and 0.00–0.30 (very weak correlation).²²22. Mukaka MM. Statistics corner: a guide to appropriate use of correlation coefficient in medical research. Malawi Med J. 2012 Sep;24(3):69-71.

For comparison between the scores of each questionnaire (AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10) as regards sociodemographic and clinical variables, the median was calculated, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to determine statistically significant differences between categories. Analyses were performed using the R program (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) with a significance level of 5%.

Results

Table 1 shows the descriptive data of the median responses by domain and the total score of the two instruments. The results showed that 48.1% of children reported worse HRQoL, considering the AUQUEI score. When the AUQUEI domains were evaluated, 49.7% of the children reported impact on the Family item. Relative to the OHRQoL, 50.6% of the children reported impact, and the Functional limitations domain was the one most impacted (57.8%).

Table 2 presents the absolute and relative frequencies of comparison between instruments about?/between the groups. In group G1, 24.4% of children had worse HRQoL and better HRQoL; in G4, 18.2% (G4) had better HRQoL and worse HRQoL. This showed that 42.6% (G1+G4) of the children presented divergent results in the instruments. In G2, 30.0% presented worse HRQoL and OHRQoL; in G3, 27.4% presented better HRQoL and OHRQoL, indicating that 57.4% (G2+G3) presented concordant results in the instruments.

Table 3 presents the results of correlation between the domains and the total scores of the AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10 questionnaires. Based on the results, except for the “Leisure” domain, a weak significant correlation between the domains and total scores of the two instruments was observed in the other domains (p < 0.05).

Table 4 shows the comparison between the AUQUEI and CPQ8-10 scores relative to the sample socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical characteristics. The results showed a significant difference in AUQUEI as a function of family income (p < 0.05). Children with lower income families had worse HRQoL (p < 0.05). CPQ8-10 showed a significant difference in the OHRQoL for the clinical variables (experience of caries and malocclusion). Children with dental caries experience and malocclusion reported worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Placing value on oral health as a parameter to improve quality of life has been highlighted in studies of all ages. In this study, instruments to assess HRQoL and OHRQoL (AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10) were correlated based on data collected in a mixed dentition occlusal stage sample. The mixed dentition is a stage with many biological events and occlusal changes that reflect children’s oral health, especially if we consider self-esteem and bullying episodes⁷7. Vedovello SA, Ambrosano GM, Pereira AC, Valdrighi HC, Vedovello Filho M, Meneghim MC. Association between malocclusion and the contextual factors of quality of life and socioeconomic status. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Jul;150(1):58-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12.022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.12.... ,¹⁰10. Araújo CV, Menezes CC, Santamaria-Jr M, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA. Should midline diastema in mixed dentition be an aesthetic concern? Orthod Craniofac Res. 2023 Aug;26(3)331-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12613
https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12613... . These factors justify the purpose of understanding the relationship between oral and general health quality. The present study is the first to evaluate the correlation between HRQoL and OHRQoL instruments in a mixed dentition population.

Studies related to mixed dentition have shown that age, cultural environment, and the social context can modify the OHRQoL of children.¹⁸18. Vedovello SA, Carvalho AL, Azevedo LC, Santos PR, Vedovello-Filho M, Meneghim MC. Impact of anterior occlusal conditions in the mixed dentition on oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: a multivariate analysis. Angle Orthod. 2020 Feb. https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1
https://doi.org/10.2319/090219-571.1... Quality of life in this age group may also directly impact adherence to orthodontic treatment. However, assessing the impact of oral health on individuals’ quality of life is challenging, especially among children. In this sense, the professional may have difficulty identifying the main orthodontic complaint.

Our findings showed a weak correlation between AUQUEI and the CPQ_8-10, reinforcing the hypothesis that the instruments have different constructs.³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... Although the AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10 measure the quality of life, they have structural differences in their design and domains, which may explain the lack of convergence between the instruments.³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... ,²³23. Brennan DS, Spencer AJ. Comparison of a generic and a specific measure of oral health related quality of life. Community Dent Health. 2005 Mar;22(1):11-8.

24. de Quadros Coelho M, Cordeiro JM, Vargas AM, de Barros Lima Martins AM, de Almeida Santa Rosa TT, Senna MI, et al. Functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. Qual Life Res. 2015 Feb;24(2):503-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0778-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0778-... -²⁵25. Oliveira CM, Araújo AP. Self-reported quality of life has no correlation with functional status in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2011 Jan;15(1):36-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2010.07.003
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2010.07.0... Previous studies³3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... ,²³23. Brennan DS, Spencer AJ. Comparison of a generic and a specific measure of oral health related quality of life. Community Dent Health. 2005 Mar;22(1):11-8.,²⁴24. de Quadros Coelho M, Cordeiro JM, Vargas AM, de Barros Lima Martins AM, de Almeida Santa Rosa TT, Senna MI, et al. Functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. Qual Life Res. 2015 Feb;24(2):503-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0778-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0778-... have used a similar methodology to assess the positive or negative correlation between specific (OHRQoL) and generic (HRQoL) instruments with inverse worst and better score scales; however, in other age groups.

The social determinants of health are associated with quality of life²2. Jessani A, Choi J, El-Rabbany A, Lefoka P, Quadri MF, Laronde DM. Oral health and psychosocial predictors of quality of life and general well-being among adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Children (Basel). 2021 Jul;8(7):582. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582
https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070582...

3. Paula JS, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC, Mialhe FL. Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Feb;15(1):26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0009-... -⁴4. Fantini LC, Carneiro DP, Venezian GC, Menezes CC, Vedovello SA, Vedovello-Filho M. What factors are associated with health-related quality of life in mixed dentition children? Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2022;22:e210157. https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054.
https://doi.org/10.1590/pboci.2022.054... since individuals with lower family income had worse OHRQoL.²⁶26. Chaffee BW, Rodrigues PH, Kramer PF, Vítolo MR, Feldens CA. Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status and caries experience. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2017 Jun;45(3):216-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12279
https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12279... ,²⁷27. García Pérez A, González-Aragón Pineda ÁE, Gonzalez Olivares H. Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status, mother's level of education, dental visits and severity of malocclusion in mixed dentition of eight-to-ten-year-old schoolchildren. PeerJ. 2021 Sep;9:e12062. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12062
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12062... The clinical variables studied confirmed this statement. Children with experience of dental caries and malocclusion had worse OHRQoL scores.²⁶26. Chaffee BW, Rodrigues PH, Kramer PF, Vítolo MR, Feldens CA. Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status and caries experience. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2017 Jun;45(3):216-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12279
https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12279... ,²⁸28. Sun L, Wong HM, McGrath CP. The factors that influence the oral health-related quality of life in 12-year-old children: baseline study of a longitudinal research. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2017 Aug;15(1):155. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-017-0729-2
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-017-0729-...

29. Dutra SR, Pretti H, Martins MT, Bendo CB, Vale MP. Impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of children aged 8 to 10 years. Dental Press J Orthod. 2018;23(2):46-53. https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.23.2.046-053.oar
https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.23.2.0...

30. Piassi E, Antunes LS, Graça TC, Antunes LA. The impact of mixed dentition malocclusion on the oral health-related quality of life for children and their families: a case-control study. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;43(3):211-7. https://doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-43.3.12
https://doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-43.3.... -³¹31. Paiva SM, Abreu-Placeres N, Camacho ME, Frias AC, Tello G, Perazzo MF, et al. Dental caries experience and its impact on quality of life in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Braz Oral Res. 2021 May;35 (1 suppl 01):e052. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2021.vol35.0052
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-202... Therefore, it seemed clear that the perception of quality of life measured by specific or generic questionnaires could be associated with the social determinants discussed.

It is important to emphasize that our study did not evaluate the general health conditions, but only problems related to oral health and sociodemographic factors of its participants and families. Future studies should include general health conditions and the development of other instruments for assessing the HRQoL at an earlier age. Finally, our findings reinforced the importance of specific instruments for all age groups and the need for subjective assessments to implement and evaluate community health strategies.

Conclusion

The AUQUEI and CPQ_8-10 instruments showed a weak correlation. The income and clinical variables negatively impacted the AUQUEI and the CPQ, respectively.

Publication Dates

History