Evaluation of Oral Health–Related Quality of Life and Anxiety Levels in Patients with Minor Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis During Active and Inactive Phases
Essentials of dentistry (Online), sa.1, ss.1-7, 2026 (TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5152/essentdent.2026.26029
- Dergi Adı: Essentials of dentistry (Online)
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-7
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- İstanbul Kent Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: This study aimed to evaluate oral health–related quality of life (OHQoL) and anxiety levels in patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) during the active and inactive phases. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 participants: 50 patients with active RAS, 50 patients with inactive RAS, and 50 healthy controls. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Anxiety was measured using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Oral health–related quality of life was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the OHQoL questionnaire. General quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Correlation analyses examined associations between pain, anxiety, and quality-of-life measures. Results: Pain intensity was significantly higher in patients with active RAS (VAS: 7.72 ± 0.57) than in inactive RAS patients and healthy controls. Anxiety levels were also higher in the active RAS group (state anxiety [STAI-S]: 60.5 ± 8.7; trait anxiety [STAI-T]: 49.3 ± 6.6) than in inactive RAS patients (STAI-S: 53.3 ± 1.2; STAI-T: 42.6 ± 7.7) and healthy controls (STAI-S: 52.2 ± 7.8; STAI-T: 42.9 ± 5.9). Active RAS patients had higher OHIP-14 scores (35.2 ± 8.7), lower OHQoL scores (36.7 ± 7.8), and poorer SF-36 scores than the other groups. Correlation analysis showed a positive association between pain severity and trait anxiety (r= 0.20) and a negative association between pain severity and OHQoL (r = −0.50). Conclusion: Active RAS is associated with increased pain, elevated anxiety, and impaired oral and general quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological assessment into comprehensive RAS management and improving patient-centered care.