Psychosocial determinants of oral health-related quality of life in periodontitis patients

This study aims to examine the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (OHRKAP) that reflect oral health knowledge alongside psychosocial factors including self-efficacy for oral care, perceived social support (PSS), and socio-economic status (SES) among periodontal patients using structural equation modeling (SEM). This cross-sectional study included 294 patients with periodontitis from October 2022 to May 2024 in East China. Demographic data, OHRQoL, self-efficacy for oral care, OHRKAP, SES, and PSS were collected using questionnaires. The periodontal status was assessed via a full-mouth examination and imaging. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between variables and mediation effects. Among patients with periodontitis, self-efficacy for oral care, OHRKAP, SES, and OHRQoL were directly linked, with self-efficacy having the strongest effect on OHRQoL. PSS indirectly influenced OHRQoL through two pathways: self-efficacy for oral care and OHRKAP. SES indirectly affected OHRQoL through PSS, OHRKAP, and self-efficacy for oral care. Self-efficacy for oral care, OHRKAP, and SES were the primary factors impacting OHRQoL, with SES and PSS significantly moderating other variables. Targeted interventions addressing psychosocial factors in patients with periodontitis, particularly in vulnerable populations, may improve oral health outcomes.