Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Children with Hiv

Abstract

HIV positive children are found in high numbers in developing nations. Oral manifestations are prognostic markers of HIV and are considered to be the first sign of HIV in children. With the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, a decrease in oral manifestations has been found. 30 participants from a HIV care home were included in the present study. The oral health quality of life was addressed using the oral health impact profile. The maximum mean value of 53.3 was obtained for painful gums, disturbed sleep and teeth sensitivity. Females had greater mean values for the oral conditions. it was found that when the severity of AIDS manifestations increased, patients complained of poorer status of oral symptoms which in turn affected their oral health related quality of life.