454 - Oral Health Effects on Quality of Life in HIV+ Children in Kisumu, Africa

Abstract:

Purpose:

This longitudinal study investigates the impact of HIV status on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children living in West Kenya.

Methods:

The 360 children aged 3-4 years from Kisumu County were enrolled from 31 clinics/hospitals and followed up during 12 months. This longitudinal study analyzed scores from Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECHOIS) questionnaires given to parent-caregivers at times of 0,6, and 12 months after enrolment. Children (120 per group) were recruited by HIV status: HIV+, HIV exposed to but uninfected (HEU), and unexposed and uninfected (HUU). Caregivers evaluated OHRQoL across four domains: symptoms, function, psychology, self-image/social interaction. Higher ECOHIS scores indicated a greater perceived negative impact. Data from dental exams by calibrated examiner at each point of the study included dental caries, plaque, gingival bleeding, abnormal findings, fluorosis, erosion, salivary gland swelling, and dmft/dmfs scores were recorded for each participant. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and regression analysis(P < .05).

Results:

Mean age was 3.4 years, being the majority females (51%), attending a private school (47%), and living in a rural area (49%). Overall, [present overall data and whether there was difference]. At 0 and 6 months, the HIV group reported the lowest ECOHIS score (8%, 8%) compared to the HEU (12%, 12%) and the HUU (22%, 20%) in “Difficulty of drinking cold and hot beverages” (P=.006, .04 respectively). No statistically significant differences were found for other domains.

Conclusion:

Final Data Pending

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by NIH/Fogarty International Center R21TW012033 and NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research R03DE033631.