Impact of socioeconomic inequalities on quality of life in oral submucous fibrosis patients

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of socioeconomic characteristics on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). A total of 300 OSF patients' quality of life (QoL) data were obtained using OHRQoL-OSF and global self ratings of oral health and overall wellbeing. The socioeconomic status (SES) of participants was analyzed by using modified Kuppuswamy scale. OSF patients with lower SES had worse OHRQoL as compared with those with middle and upper SES (p < 0.001). The household income of the family was found to be strongly associated with poor OHRQoL. Socioeconomic characteristics should be considered in the holistic management of OSF as it has been strongly associated with the OHRQoL of these patients.