Abstract
BACKGROUND: Children of female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh grow up in a challenging socio-economic environment characterized by parental separation, substance abuse, alcoholism, and limited access to healthcare, including oral health services. This study aimed to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its associative factors among these children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2023 and February 2024 with a sample of 180 FSW mothers/institutional caregivers and their school-going children, aged 7 to 17. OHRQoL was assessed using the CPQ(8 - 10) (Child Perception Questionnaire) for children aged 7 to 11, and the OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) for adolescents aged 12 to 17. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) index was used to assess dental caries, while the gingival index evaluated gingival health. The plaque index and calculus index were employed to assess plaque and calculus levels, respectively. RESULTS: Among children aged 7 to 11, oral symptoms (Mean = 5.36, SD = 3.72) and functional limitations (Mean = 4.57, SD = 4.42) were the most affected parameters. For children aged 12 to 17, 78.2% reported oral impacts on their daily performances (Mean = 6.50, SD = 6.84). Caries status (β = 0.361, p = 0.001) and place of residence (β = 0.329, p = 0.032) were significantly associated with higher CPQ(8 - 10) scores. A higher OIDP score was associated with gingivitis (β = 0.265, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that children aged 7 to 11 in Daulatdia with caries had significantly poorer OHRQoL, while gingivitis was associated with a higher OIDP score in children aged 12 to 17. OHRQoL evaluation is vital in determining the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive measures aimed at improving the oral health of this vulnerable population. REGISTRY AND REGISTRATION NO. OF THE STUDY: The Institutional Review Board /Ethics Review Committee (IRB/ERC) of North South University reviewed and approved this study(2023/OR-NSU/IRB/0204).