Assessment Of Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Construction Workers in Indore City: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Oral health status profoundly impacts physical, psychological, and social well-being. Unorganized occupational sectors, such as the construction industry, represent highly vulnerable populations due to a high prevalence of adverse habits, lack of awareness, low educational attainment, and restricted access to healthcare services. Aim: To assess the oral health status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and their relationship among construction workers in Indore city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 construction workers across four zones in Indore city over a six-month period. Sociodemographic characteristics, adverse habits, and OHRQoL were recorded using a structured proforma and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Clinical assessments were completed utilizing the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013. Data analysis included Chi-square, F-test, and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The study population was predominantly male (72.2%) and aged 18–28 years (52.2%), with low formal education levels. Inadequate oral hygiene was common, with 83.1% brushing only once daily. Tobacco use was highly prevalent, particularly smokeless forms like gutkha (40.4%). The overall mean OHIP-14 score was high (63.87±4.13), driven heavily by the handicap (9.90±0.35) and social disability domains (9.73±0.70), indicating a major negative impact on quality of life. Men reported significantly higher OHIP-14 scores than women (p = 0.028). Periodontal destruction and cumulative loss of attachment (LOA) significantly increased with age (p = 0.043). No significant correlation was found between DMFT and OHIP-14 scores (r = -0.110, p = 0.096). Conclusion: Construction workers in Indore face a severe burden of oral diseases that substantially diminishes their quality of life. Targeted oral health promotion, routine screening camps, and accessible, affordable dental care are urgently required for this underserved workforce