BioMedica |

Original Article

Volume: 41 | Issue: 2 | Published: Jun 25, 2025 | Pages: 13 - 13 | DOI: 10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study

Authors: Zehra Ahmed , Naveera Raza , Humera akhlaq , Fatima Rasool , Khushbu Lohana , Sehrish Ahmed

Article Info

Authors

Zehra Ahmed

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

Naveera Raza

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

Humera akhlaq

Department of Oral Pathology, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

Fatima Rasool

Department of Oral Pathology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Khushbu Lohana

Department of Oral Biology, Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan

Sehrish Ahmed

Department of Oral Medicine, Baqai Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan

Publication History

Received: December 10, 2024

Accepted: June 04, 2025

Published: June 25, 2025

Abstract

Background and Objective: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of oral mucosal abnormalities with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Their high prevalence, especially in Asia, poses a significant public health concern. Beyond disease control, understanding the impact of OPMDs on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential for guiding treatment decisions and optimizing care. This study aimed to identify factors that could affect HRQoL in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders in the local population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 8 months at Ziauddin University and Abbasi Shaheed Hospitals, enrolling 83 patients aged >20 years with clinically and histologically confirmed Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders. Patients with other medical conditions or prior treatments were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire across eight domains. ANOVA was used to compare HRQoL domains, and Pearson’s correlation tested associations between variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: Actinic cheilitis was the most common lesion, predominantly affecting patients aged 51-60 years. Physical health was the most impaired HRQoL domain (p = 0.001), while mental health was the least affected (p = 0.02). Patients ≥40 years reported poorer physical health, whereas those aged 41-50 experienced greater mental health and activity limitations. Pain showed a positive correlation with social health (r = 0.426, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with emotional health (r = -0.291, p < 0.01). Mental and emotional health were strongly correlated (r = 0.741, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: OPMDs significantly impair HRQoL, particularly physical health and daily functioning. Pain adversely affects social and emotional well-being, while mental and emotional health are closely linked. Findings highlight the need for targeted HRQoL assessment and patient‑centered care to optimize outcomes.

Keywords: Quality of life, health impact, oral potentially malignant disorders, physical health, mental health.

Pubmed Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed. Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study. BioMedica. 2025; 25 (June 2025): 13-13. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

Web Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed. Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study. https://biomedicapk.com/articles/1559 [Access: August 28, 2025]. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed. Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study. BioMedica. (2025), [cited August 28, 2025]; 25 (June 2025): 13-13. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

Harvard Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed (2025) Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study. BioMedica, 25 (June 2025): 13-13. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

Chicago Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed. "Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study." 25 (2025), 13-13. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Zehra Ahmed, Naveera Raza, Humera akhlaq, Fatima Rasool, Khushbu Lohana, Sehrish Ahmed (2025) Health and functional status in oral potentially malignant disorders: a questionnaire-based study. , 25 (June 2025), 13-13. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1559