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Health- and oral health-related quality of life among preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to determine the associated factors.

Methods

A case–control study of preschool children with and without ASD was undertaken. H&OHrQoL were assessed employing Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory Version 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) and Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Differences in PedsQL and ECOHIS scores were determined between groups and correlation between PedsQL and ECOHIS was explored. Regression analyses were conducted to determine key factors associated with H&OHrQoL.

Results

Parents of 510 children (253 cases and 257 controls) completed the H&OHrQoL questionnaire assessments. Significant difference in PedsQL (p < 0.001) and ECOHIS (p < 0.001) scores was apparent between children with and without ASD. There was a positive and weak correlation between PedsQL and ECOHIS scores (r = − 0.45, p < 0.01). In regression analyses, the presence of ASD was associated with an increased likelihood of having lower PedsQL (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.06–0.15, p < 0.001) and higher ECOHIS scores (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.60–3.42, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Differences in H&OHrQoL exist among preschool children with and without ASD. There was a significant but weak correlation between children’s H&OHrQoL. Both H&OHrQoL were associated with autism spectrum disorders.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to all the parents, children and teachers who participated in this study, as well the assistants and technicians who contributed to the whole project.

Funding

This is a Ph.D. study, and no funding was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong SAR, China

    R. Y. Du

  2. Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

    C. K. Y. Yiu

  3. Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

    N. M. King

Authors
  1. R. Y. Du
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  2. C. K. Y. Yiu
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  3. N. M. King
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Correspondence to R. Y. Du.

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Conflict of interest

All the authors declare that there was no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster (HKU/HA HKW IRB) [IRB Reference Number: UW 11-184].

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all the individual participants (parents of children with and without ASD) included in the study.

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Du, R.Y., Yiu, C.K.Y. & King, N.M. Health- and oral health-related quality of life among preschool children with autism spectrum disorders. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 21, 363–371 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-019-00500-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-019-00500-1

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