Abstract:

Oral health is one of the important and integral components of general health. Impairment of oral health has negative effects on the general health and quality of life of the individual. This study was conducted to determine the oral health quality of life of hospitalized patients. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. The study was conducted on patients hospitalized in a university hospital in Turkey. The study was conducted with 368 patients.  The mean score of the oral health assessment guideline of the patients was found to be 7.45±2.32. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score average was 13.47±13.40, and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life-United Kingdom score average was 51.00±14.58. It was found that the level of education, gender, socio-economic status, chronic disease, and regular drug use affect the oral health of the patients and the quality of life-related to oral health. As a result, it was determined that the patients participating in the study were at moderate risk in terms of oral health problems and their oral health quality of life was above the average.  It is necessary to evaluate the patient's entire oral structure daily in terms of risk factors, to determine the ability to perform oral care on his own, to plan oral hygiene with the patient if possible, and to provide appropriate oral and dental care for patients who cannot perform self-care.

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