Saúde bucal e qualidade de vida de pacientes pediátricos com Condições Crônicas Complexas

Abstract

The number of pediatric patients with Complex Chronic Conditions (CCC) has increased in recent decades, driven by advances in medical technology and the reduction of child mortality. These children are dependent on continuous care and face risk factors that compromise oral health, such as prolonged use of medications and mobility limitations. The present study aimed to analyze the correlation between oral health and quality of life in pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study that involved the collection of clinical dental and self-reported data through the application of the P-CPQ instrument. The results revealed that 34.9% of the children had poor oral hygiene (mean OHI-S = 2.03) and that, although 60% were free of caries in permanent teeth, the modified dmft index was 1.67 (SD = 2.87). In addition, 47.6% presented gingival bleeding in more than 30% of the examined sites. The DAI showed a mean of 42.09 (SD = 17.05), with 31.7% presenting severe malocclusion and 15.9% very severe malocclusion. The mean overall quality of life score was 26.38 (SD = 20.72), with functional limitation being the most affected domain, with a mean of 12.18 (SD = 9.21). Correlation analyses demonstrated weak and statistically nonsignificant associations between objective clinical indicators and quality-of-life domains. However, the variable “difficulty biting or chewing” was correlated with all quality-of- life domains. Significant correlations were observed with functional limitation (ρ = 0.823; p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (ρ = 0.812; p < 0.001), in addition to relevant correlations with oral symptoms (ρ = 0.490; p = 0.001), emotional well-being (ρ = 0.481; p = 0.001), and social well-being (ρ = 0.331; p = 0.028). These results indicate that difficulties in masticatory function impact the quality of life of children with complex chronic conditions. This evidence reinforces the importance of also considering subjective indicators in strategies for oral health care of pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions.