Effect of Xerostomia and Hyposalivation on Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of xerostomia and hyposalivation on quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy and evaluating unstimulated salivary flow rate in these patients.

This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 80 cancer patients with xerostomia undergoing chemotherapy. The Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was administered to evaluate the effect of xerostomia and hyposalivation on patients’ quality of life. Data analysis was done in SPSS V22.

The additive and simple count OHIP-14 scores were 20.66 and 3.10, respectively. Among 80 patients with xerostomia, 50 had hyposalivation (P<0.001).

Xerostomia and hyposalivation in patients undergoing chemotherapy have negative effects on oral health-related quality of life and these patients require more attention.