Observational studyThe Pan African medical journal2025
Oral health-related quality of life in Tunisian patients following radiotherapy for head and neck tumors: a cross-sectional study.
Observational study in The Pan African medical journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: cervicofacial radiotherapy is a cornerstone in the management of head and neck tumors, utilizing ionizing radiation. Despite its efficacy, it can lead to significant side effects that impact patients´ Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) during and after treatment. This study aims to evaluate OHRQoL in Tunisian patients following cervicofacial radiotherapy and identify key factors influencing post-treatment quality of life. Methods: a multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple hospitals in Tunisia. Twenty-five patients who underwent cervicofacial radiotherapy were included. Data collection involved a standardized questionnaire covering epidemiological data, radiotherapy details, oral health status, post-radiotherapy compliance, and OHRQoL assessment using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Results: the findings revealed that 76% of patients underwent Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), 54% used fluoride gel trays, and only 52% of patients had consulted a dentist in the past two years outside of routine follow-up appointments. Poor quality of life reported in 72% of patients was statistically correlated with age, general health status, dosimetry, chemotherapy, radiotherapy technique, and frequency of dental consultations. Conclusion: a significant proportion of patients experienced poor OHRQoL post-radiotherapy, influenced by factors such as age, radiation dose, radiotherapy technique, and dental visit frequency. IMRT was associated with better OHRQoL compared to conventional techniques. Limited compliance with oral health protocols underscores the need for enhanced pre- and post-radiotherapy dental care strategies, improved patient education, and increased accessibility to advanced radiotherapy techniques in Tunisia. Larger studies with extended follow-up are necessary to validate these findings and enhance post-radiotherapy oral healthcare policies.
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