Patients' experiences of the impact of periodontal disease

Louise K. O'Dowd (Lead / Corresponding author), Justin Durham, Giles I. McCracken, Philip M. Preshaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

81 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: To examine critically patients' experiences of the impact of periodontal disease on their daily lives. Material and Methods: Semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample of patients with periodontal conditions were conducted using a flexible evolving topic guide. Data collection and analysis were an inductive, iterative process that occurred concurrently. The data were organized in a framework and recurrent themes identified. Interviews occurred until it was felt that no new themes or ideas were being expressed by respondents (n=14). Results: Effects of periodontal disease on patients' daily lives included impairment, functional limitation, discomfort and disability (including physical, psychosocial and social disability). A large number of the emergent themes from the analysis were relevant to the domains of Locker's conceptual model of oral health. The domain within Locker's model that had no data relevant to it in the context of periodontal disease was death. Two additional themes emerged that appeared unrelated to Locker's model, these were stigma and retrospective regret. Conclusion: Periodontal disease reportedly affects patients' lives in a negative manner in a variety of ways. This is of relevance in the management of patients with periodontitis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)334-339
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Periodontology
Volume37
Issue number4
Early online date17 Mar 2010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • Impact on daily life
  • Patient experience
  • Periodontal disease
  • Quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Periodontics

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