Psychosocial impact of self-perceived malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life in Nigerian adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study.

Authors

Khadijah Musa Sa'ad, Adetayo Aborisade, Bernard Ogbozor, Tope Emmanuel Adeyemi

Published in

BMC oral health. Volume 26. Issue 1. Jul 24, 2026. Epub Jul 24, 2026.

Abstract

Malocclusion can negatively impact psychosocial well-being and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), particularly during adolescence and young adulthood. This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of psychosocial burden associated with self-perceived malocclusion and its relationship with OHRQoL among adolescents and young adults in Kano State, Nigeria.
This cross-sectional study included 316 participants aged 13-25 years recruited from secondary schools and a university in Kano metropolis using convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires comprising the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC), the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Pearson's chi-squared tests, and Spearman's correlations were used. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of high psychosocial impact (PIDAQ grade). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Of 316 participants (mean age 16.9 ± 3.6 years; 55% male), 45.2% perceived a need for orthodontic treatment (34.8% moderate, 10.4% definite). High psychosocial impact (PIDAQ > 31) was recorded in 63.3% (n = 200), with male participants showing significantly higher median PIDAQ scores than females (38 vs. 34, p = 0.03). A negative impact on OHRQoL (OHIP-14 > 14) was reported by 32.9% (n = 104). IOTN-AC showed mild positive correlations with aesthetic concern (ρ = 0.13) and psychological impact (ρ = 0.18). OHIP-14 was strongly correlated with psychological impact (ρ = 0.62) and social impact (ρ = 0.59). In multivariable analysis, male sex (OR = 2.65, 95% CI:1.48-4.83), higher OHIP-14 score (OR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.10-1.19), and higher IOTN-AC score (OR = 1.30, 95% CI:1.12-1.53) were independent predictors of high psychosocial impact, while tertiary education was protective (OR = 0.07, 95% CI:0.02-0.31).
Self-perceived malocclusion is associated with reduced dental self-confidence, impaired OHRQoL, and adverse social and psychological well-being among Nigerian adolescents and young adults. These associations vary by sex and education level. Early orthodontic assessment and integrated oral health education may mitigate psychosocial burdens.

PMID:
42907828
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Oct 2026.

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