Citation

Seehra J, Fleming P, Newton T, Dibiase A. J. Orthod. 2011; 38(4): 247-256.

Affiliation

Jadbinder Seehra, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust,Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3NG, UK. Jad_Seehra@hotmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, British Orthodontic Society, Publisher Maney Publishing)

DOI

10.1179/14653121141641

PMID

22156180

Abstract

Objectives: To measure the self-reported frequency and severity of bullying amongst patients referred for orthodontic treatment and to investigate whether there is a relationship between levels of self-reported bullying, malocclusion and need for orthodontic treatment and an individual's self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Design and setting: Cross-sectional study of an adolescent group referred for orthodontic assessment at three UK hospitals. Subjects and methods: Three hundred and thirty-six participants aged between 10 and 14 years were recruited. Validated questionnaires were used to measure the self-reported frequency and severity of bullying, self-esteem and OHRQoL. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed using IOTN. Results: The prevalence of bullying was 12·8%. Being bullied was significantly associated with Class II Division 1 incisor relationship (P = 0·041),increased overbite (P = 0·023),increased overjet (P = 0·001)and a high need for orthodontic treatment assessed using AC IOTN (P = 0·014). Bullied participants also reported lower levels of social competence (P<0·001),athletic competence (P<0·001), physical appearance related self-esteem (P<0·001)and general self-esteem (P<0·001). Higher levels of oral symptoms (P = 0·032),functional limitations (P<0·001), emotional (P<0·001)and social impact (P<0·001) from the iroral condition, resulting in a negative impact on overall OHRQoL (P<0·001), were also reported. Conclusions: Significant relationships exist between bullying and certain occlusal traits, self-esteem and OHRQoL.

Language: en