Oral health plays an important role in overall well-being, particularly among people living with HIV (PLHIV), who may be more vulnerable to oral diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health condition of PLHIV and its impact on quality of life (QoL). A cross-sectional study was conducted between PLHIV and healthy individuals (reference group RG). Demographic, socioeconomic, habits, and clinical data were collected. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were collected, along with an assessment of oral lesions. For the assessment of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was utilized. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were employed. Linear regression analyses were performed separately for the HIV and control groups to assess the association between oral health conditions and quality of life (QoL). A total of 67 PLHIV and 67 individuals in RG were evaluated. There was a higher frequency of smokers, alcohol users, illicit drug users, and individuals with difficulty accessing dental care among PLHIV (p < 0.001). The HIV group showed a significantly higher mean DMFT index, higher occurrence of periodontal pockets, and higher CPI means compared to the RG (p < 0.001). In the PLHIV group, 22 (36.4%) presented some oral manifestation, with candidiasis being the most frequent (n = 9/13.5%). The mean OHIP-14 score was 15.57 (± 13.02) in the RG and 18.72 (± 1.29) in the PLHIV group, considered moderate in both groups. In PLHIV, bleeding on probing was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores (β = 49.0; p = 0.015). In the reference group, dental calculus was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores (β = 13.0; p = 0.013). OHRQoL did not differ between groups despite worse oral health in PLHIV; however, periodontal conditions were associated with poorer OHRQoL within each group.
Oliveira et al. (Thu,) studied this question.