Usefulness of the Xerostomia Inventory and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaires to assess patient-reported outcomes associated with xerostomia in polymedicated patients

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association and correlation between patient-reported outcomes associated with xerostomia and salivary flow in polymedicated patients. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) salivary flows were collected. Xerostomia was assessed by a question and the use of Xerostomia Inventory (XI). Oral Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results: 218 patients were included. 51.8% suffered from xerostomia and 38.1% and 27.5% suffered from UWS and SWS hyposalivation, respectively. Patients with xerostomia, UWS and SWS hyposalivation scored significantly higher on the XI questionnaire than patients without these disorders. However, only patients with xerostomia and UWS hyposalivation were observed to score significantly higher on the OHIP-14 than patients without these alterations. A significant positive correlation was observed between XI and OHIP-14. Significant negative correlations were observed between XI and UWS, and XI and SWS. OHIP-14 was negatively correlated with both salivary flows, but this correlation was only significant between OHIP-14 and UWS flow. Conclusions: Questionnaire XI scores are higher in patients with xerostomia and reduced UWS and SWS flows. However, OHIP-14 is increased in patients with xerostomia and reduced UWS flow. Clinical Relevance: The XI reflects changes in xerostomia and salivary flow so it could be a good questionnaire to assess drug-associated xerostomia in future research studies. However, the OHIP-14 reflects changes in xerostomia level and UWS flow but is not as reliable for assessing changes in SWS flow. Clinical Relevance: The XI reflects changes in xerostomia and salivary flow so it could be a good questionnaire to assess drug-associated xerostomia in future research studies. However, the OHIP-14 reflects changes in xerostomia level and UWS flow but is not as reliable for assessing changes in SWS flow. Trial Registration: None