Access to oral health care and self-reported health status among low-income adults living with HIV/AIDS

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Abstract

Objective. We identified factors associated with improved self-reported health status in a sample of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) following enrollment in oral health care. Methods. Data were collected from 1,499 enrollees in the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau's Special Projects of National Significance Innovations in Oral Health Care Initiative. Data were gathered from 2007-2010 through in-person interviews at 14 sites; self-reported health status was measured using the SF-8™ Health Survey's physical and mental health summary scores. Utilization records of oral health-care services provided to enrollees were also obtained. Data were analyzed using general estimating equation linear regression. Results. Between baseline and follow-up, we found that physical health status improved marginally while mental health status improved to a greater degree. For change in physical health status, a decrease in oral health problems and lack of health insurance were significantly associated with improved health status. Improved mental health status was associated with a decrease in oral health problems at the last available visit and no pain or distress in one's teeth or gums at the last available visit. Conclusion. For low-income PLWHA, engagement in a program to increase access to oral health care was associated with improvement in overall wellbeing as measured by change in the SF-8 Health Survey. These results contribute to the knowledge base about using the SF-8 to assess the impact of clinical interventions. For public health practitioners working with PLWHA, findings suggest that access to oral health care can help promote well-being for this vulnerable population. © 2012 Association of Schools of Public Health.

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APA

Bachman, S. S., Walter, A. W., & Umez-Eronini, A. (2012). Access to oral health care and self-reported health status among low-income adults living with HIV/AIDS. Public Health Reports, 127(SUPPL.2), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549121270s208

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