Relationship between sense of coherence, OHRQoL, and dental caries among nursing students in South India.

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common dental diseases that affect all population and is associated with the avoidance of care. Research has reported that sense of coherence (SOC) is related to many aspects of health including oral health. SOC determines the quality of health and might have a direct association with the development of subjective assessments of oral health.

Objectives: To find the association between SOC, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and caries status among nursing college students in southern state of India.

Design: Cross-sectional design using questionnaire and assessment of caries status.

Participants: Nursing students from south India.

Methods: Convenience sampling method was followed and students who were present on the day of the study and consented to participate were included in the study. The total study sample consisted of 494 nursing students. SOC and OHRQoL were measured by a self-administered questionnaire; caries status was assessed using Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index.

Results: Association between SOC and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and caries status and OHIP was found to be statistically significant. Correlation between dental caries and OHIP was found to be statistically significant, with R-value -0.251 shows that OHIP is negatively correlated with caries status.

Conclusion: SOC as a psychosocial resource is capable of facilitating the motivation for positive oral health behaviours. These resources along with socio-economic and demographic factors can create an environment that is partially responsible for the individuals' cognitive and physical functions that can express themselves as the individuals' well-being and positive health behaviours.