Analytical Study of the Impact of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life on Work Productivity Among Adults in Abuja

Oral health-related quality of life impacts work performance and productivity, and analytical characterisation of this relationship in Nigeria's capital city population provides evidence for workplace oral health policy. This study analytically examined the relationship between oral health-related quality of life and self-reported work productivity among employed adults in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory. A cross-sectional survey of 380 formally employed adults was conducted. OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Work productivity loss was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Clinical oral health status (DMFT, CPI, and oral pain self-report) was examined by a calibrated dentist. Multivariate regression controlled for age, income, chronic medical conditions, and dental care frequency. Higher OHIP-14 scores (worse OHRQoL) were significantly associated with greater presenteeism (beta = 0.41, p < 0.001) and absenteeism (beta = 0.29, p < 0.01). Oral pain was the OHIP-14 dimension most strongly associated with productivity loss. Functional limitation (difficulty eating) significantly predicted absenteeism. Workers with employer-provided dental insurance showed significantly better OHRQoL and lower productivity loss. The estimated annual productivity loss attributable to poor oral health was N182,000 per affected worker. The study provides the first Nigeria-specific evidence on the economic productivity burden of oral ill-health and recommends NHIA dental benefit expansion for formal sector workers and employer-sponsored oral health programmes in Abuja. Keywords: oral health-related quality of life, OHIP-14, work productivity, Abuja, NHIA dental benefit