Abstract
Mental disorders such as depression affects the daily activity and performance. including self-care behaviors and personal hygiene. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a complex concept that includes social, psychological, and physical aspects. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between OHRQoL and depression and anxiety. This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was performed in Jordan and Saudi Arabia between September and November 2024. This research utilized 3 previously validated tools to achieve the study aim of examining the link between OHRQoL and depression and anxiety. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and General Anxiety Disorder-7. This study involved 2704 participants. Among our participants, the prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 56.0%, the prevalence of severe anxiety was 21.4%, and the mean OHIP score was 14.9 (standard deviation SD]: 12.6) out of 56, which implies a low to moderate impact on participants' OHRQoL. Physical pain dimension showed the higher mean score with 2.8 (SD: 2.3); which reflects discomfort and pain caused by dental conditions. Functional limitation dimension showed the lowest mean score with 1.5 (SD: 1.9); which reflects practical difficulties caused by oral health issues (such as speech or taste impairment). Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a moderately positive correlation between OHIP score and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score R = =0.395; 95% confidence interval: 0.363-0.426; P-value <.001) and a moderately positive correlation between OHIP score and General Anxiety Disorder-7 score R = =0.416; 95% confidence interval: 0.385-0.447; P-value <.001). Oral health issues demonstrated low to moderate impact on participants' QoL. Physical pain was more noticeable issue that affected participants' QoL due to their oral health issues compared to functional limitation dimension. Oral-related QoL is negatively affecting the psychological status of individuals due to its impact on their emotional well-being. Healthcare professionals are advised to give attention to both oral and mental health of their patients.