Orofacial pain and quality of life - how are they linked?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Emotional state as related to chronic orofacial pain and oral-health related quality of life
IRAS ID
314812
Contact name
Pauline Adair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 29 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
Chronic orofacial pain is regarded as pain that occurs in the head, face, and mouth area. Chronic orofacial pain and depression can co-occur, with higher levels of depression reported amongst individuals experiencing chronic orofacial pain compared to healthy controls. Quality of life is shown to be significantly impacted by chronic orofacial pain. The relationship between depression and associated variables of anxiety and stress, chronic orofacial pain, and oral health-related quality of life therefore seems an important area for exploration and may offer more specificity in outcome. Whether depression may mediate or moderate the relationship between chronic orofacial pain and oral health-related quality of life might allow for a deeper understanding of how these constructs interact with each other.
The current study aims to understand the relationships between emotional state as captured by depression, anxiety, and stress, chronic orofacial pain, and oral health-related quality of life. This study aims to answer the following three main research hypotheses:
1) Emotional state (depression, anxiety, and stress) will predict oral health-related quality of life in patients with chronic orofacial pain
2) Emotional state (depression, anxiety and stress) will mediate the relationship between chronic orofacial pain and oral health-related quality of life
3) Emotional state (depression, anxiety and stress) will moderate the relationship between chronic orofacial pain and oral health-related quality of life.Summary of Results:
Chronic orofacial pain intensity significantly predicted oral health-related quality of life, whilst the mediation analysis suggested both direct and indirect effects of chronic orofacial pain intensity on oral health-related quality of life through depression. Results did not support the moderating role of depression.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0193
Date of REC Opinion
12 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion