Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine reliability, construct validity, and produce a concise instrument for assessing Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQL).
Method: The OHRQL model for dental hygiene served as the theoretical basis in the development of this instrument. The survey utilized five-point Likert scale items, designed to assess the domains of symptom status, functional status, and health perceptions. The instrument was administered to 321 functionally independent older adults from six Area Agency on Aging nutrition centers and three retirement communities in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas in Missouri. Scale reliability was demonstrated by calculating the coefficient alpha for each subscale. Item analysis was subsequently conducted to provide additional supportive evidence for reliability. Construct validity was assessed using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance MANOVA to examine the effect of known subgroups. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) for groups on each subscale was conducted as a follow-up test to the MANOVA.
Results: Coefficient for the seven subscales ranged from 0.74 to 0.89. No significant difference was found among males and females. However, there were significant differences in patterns of subscale means (p < .05) for subgroups reporting 'good' versus 'poor' denture fit; 'presence' or 'absence' of recent toothache; 'presence' or 'absence' of loose teeth; 'presence' or 'absence' of gingival recession; 'presence' or 'absence' of dentures interfering with eating; and self-report of 'good' versus 'poor' general health.
Conclusion: These preliminary results provided initial supportive evidence of the OHRQL's reliability and validity. Future studies are needed to confirm this preliminary conclusion.