Influence of Neuroticism, Psychoticism, and Extraversion on Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in a Student Population

Objective: To evaluate the influence of personality traits on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among allied Health Sciences students. Study Design: A Cross-sectional Study Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2024, from multiple academic institutions in Peshawar, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 382 students aged 18–24 years, with an almost equal gender distribution (males 49.7%, females 50.3%). Personality traits were measured using standard T scores, and OHRQoL was assessed via the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses examined associations, considering gender differences and orthodontic treatment needs. Results: Mild or no orthodontic treatment needs were observed in 39.3% of participants, and 41.9% had mild or absent aesthetic concerns. Neuroticism emerged as the strongest predictor of OHRQoL, showing a correlation of 0.309 with OHIP-14 total scores and an odds ratio (OR) of 1.428 (95% CI: 1.212–1.683, P < .001). Females demonstrated significantly higher OHIP-14 scores than males, particularly in the mild malocclusion group (mean 7.00 vs. 4.78, P = .016), with 1.477 times greater odds of poor OHRQoL (95% CI: 1.054–2.077, P = .024). Psychoticism showed weaker associations (r = 0.112; OR = 1.093, P = .289). Dental health condition severity (DHC, AC) also significantly influenced OHRQoL outcomes. Conclusion: Neuroticism is the strongest determinant of impaired OHRQoL, with females—especially those with mild malocclusion—more adversely affected than males.