Condition-specific quality of life in Jordanian patients with dentofacial deformities: a comparison of generic and disease-specific measures.

Objectives: To determine the impact of dentofacial deformities and related treatment on quality of life (QOL) of Jordanian patients, and to make a comparison between the generic and specific measures used.

Study Design: A case-control study was performed involving 143 subjects: 36 before surgery, 35 after orthognathic treatment, 35 who declined surgery (Dec-surg), and 37 control subjects. Their QOL was assessed using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ).

Results: There were significant differences in OQLQ scores among the 4 groups (P < .001). When comparing the presurgery group to other groups: significant differences were found with postsurgery, Dec-surg, and control subjects (P < .001). The Dec-surg group showed no significant differences with postsurgery and control groups.

Conclusions: Orthognathic surgery has a positive impact on patients' QOL. The condition-specific OQLQ showed better discriminator ability than the generic SF-36, although both measures provide an effective combination to evaluate QOL in patients with dentofacial deformities. More emphasis is required to understand emotional and psychosocial status of patients in addition to their esthetic and functional needs.