Impact of health education on oral health related quality of life of people living with Hiv/aids in Nairobi.

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases and conditions affect every race worldwide. The prevalence of the two major oral diseases namely periodontal diseases and dental caries has been found to vary from region to region among the general population. Studies have found that the prevalence and severity of these diseases and other oral conditions is higher among People Living with the Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (PLWHA) than HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) seronegative persons.The PLWHA also tend to suffer from other types of oral diseases which are either very rare or do not occur in the oral cavity among seronegative individuals. Studies have found to a large extent, that oral diseases can be effectively prevented by oral health education among the general population. However, the impact of oral health education on oral diseases and conditions among PLWHA is unknown in Kenya. Objective: To determine the impact of oral health education on the oral health status and Oral Health-Related quality (OHRQoL) of life among PLWHA. Study Design: This was a quasi-experimental study Study sites: The study was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) (intervention group) and Mbagathi District Hospital (MDH) (non-intervention group) Comprehensive Care Centers (CCC).