Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal en mujeres en situación de prostitución en Medellín (Colombia) y sus factores relacionados

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The quality of life is an element to consider in the analysisof social determinants in vulnerable social groups. This study aims to determine todetermine the oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) in a group of women in situationof prostitution situation in Medellín (Colombia) and its related factors. Materialsand methods: A descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 53women. A survey and clinical examination was carried out with sociodemographicinformation, use of health services and oral health status. The instrument OHIP-14(Profile of Impact of Oral Health on Quality of Life) was used. A description of theOHIP-14 and its summary measures according to different variables was applied. Results: Psychological distress and disability were the dimensions that presentedhighest scores in the sample. 85% of women reported one or more impacts oftheir oral health on quality of life, representing an average of 4.8 impacts (95%CI 3.8-5.9). Higher impact indicators were observed according to sociodemographic factorssuch as: educational level, time at work, family burden, social support or useof psychoactive substances. Likewise, greater impacts were reported according tofactors such as: being unsatisfied with their oral health, low oral health status, havingoral problems, requiring priority oral health attention and reporting problems ofaccess to dental care. Conclusions: There were gradients in the OHRQOL accordingto sociodemographic characteristics and oral health and access to oral health carevariables. Situations of inequity are evidenced that must be considered in order topromote collective actions in this population.Keywords: Oral health, Quality of Life, Sex Workers, Dental Health Surveys.