Predictors of obturator functioning and satisfaction in turkish maxillectomy patients using an obturator prosthesis

Publication date: Available online 22 November 2017
Source:Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Author(s): Meltem Ozdemir-Karatas, Ali Balik, Gulumser Evlioglu, Ömer Uysal, Kadriye Peker
ObjectiveTo determine the socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical factors affecting obturator function and satisfaction using the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) in maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with obturator prostheses.Material and methodsStudy sample consisted 41 maxillectomy patients. The OFS was translated and adapted into Turkish for assessing obturator functioning and patient satisfaction. Data were collected from patients' medical records and self-completed questionnaires, including the Turkish version of the OFS, socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and backward stepwise multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.ResultsInternal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86) were acceptable for the OFS. The most frequently reported problem was "difficulty in chewing". Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in total OFS scores in terms of surgery type, defect size, and education level, except for the other clinical and socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral factors. Education level and surgery type were found to be the most important predictors of patient satisfaction and obturator functioning.ConclusionThe Turkish version of the OFS might be a useful tool for clinicans to identify the patients who are at risk for poor obturator functioning and satisfaction as well as their unmet needs.



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