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Purpose: Limited scleroderma is associated with significant risks to the orofacial complex. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the experiences of participants with limited scleroderma related to oral health quality of life and oral health. Methods: A sequential mixed methods study was used in a population of individuals diagnosed with limited scleroderma. Participants were recruited through rheumatology specialists, referral, and social media; purposive sampling was used to recruit participants to be interviewed. The validated Oral Health Impact profile (OHIP) and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) instruments and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data were reported through thematic analysis. Results: Forty-eight (n=48) qualifying participants participated in the quantitative phase, and 12 (n=12) participated in the qualitative phase. Based on a Likert Scale from 0-4, mean OHIP-14 scores ranged from 2.76 to 2.85, with anxiety over oral condition, embarrassed by oral problems, and oral self-consciousness having the greatest negative impact on quality of life. Mean MHISS scores ranged from 2.13 to 3.11. The highest OHRQoL scores were related to dry mouth symptoms. Factors influencing oral health-related quality of life were varied; dry mouth and microstomia were the prevalent complaints. Thematic analysis revealed challenges to oral health included self-care and professional dental care factors, both of which depended upon individual disease expression. Financial and emotional burdens also influenced participants' oral health. Conclusion: The oral health-related quality of life of those with limited scleroderma is impacted by multiple factors and oral health care professionals must seek out improved treatment modalities to address the needs of these vulnerable individuals. Future studies related to interprofessional collaborative care with scleroderma specialists are recommended. Keywords: systemic scleroderma, limited scleroderma, CREST syndrome, oral health-related quality of life, autoimmune disease, patient experience This manuscript supports the NDHRA priority area, Population level: Access to care (vulnerable populations). Submitted for publication: 6/30/20; accepted: 12/15/20, Introduction There are two major categories of scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder, limited and diffuse. Diffuse scleroderma has widespread skin involvement, rapid progression, and early visceral involvement. (1) Limited cutaneous systemic [...]

Background. The majority of people after stroke demonstrate mobility limitations, which may reduce their physical activity levels. Task-specific training has been shown to be an effective intervention to improve mobility [...]

The purpose of this cross-sectional, correlational study was to describe the quality of life (QOL) in persons with end stage renal disease and explore factors that may affect QOL. Biological function, symptoms, function, general health perception, and characteristics of the individual and environment explained 61% of the variability in overall QOL Only anxiety, depression, and general health perception significantly contributed to QOL. QOL may be better predicted from psychological factors than physiological factors., Goal To provide an overview of factors that affect the quality of life in persons on hemodialysis. Objectives 1. Describe the quality of life in persons with end stage renal [...]

Study objectives: To assess exercise tolerance and determine the distinct role of cardiac, respiratory, or peripheral factors on it after delayed surgical repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Design: [...]

Study objectives: The health-related quality of life of smokers without COPD and that of ex-smokers has not been defined. If abnormal, the role of small airways disease and that of [...]

Introduction: Although dyspnea is considered the primary activity-limiting symptom in patients with COPD, other symptoms, such as fatigue, are frequently reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the [...]

On the face of it, nothing could be more reasonable than for a patient to weigh the risks attendant to a medical treatment against any benefits it might be expected [...]

Study objective: Clinical trials of asthma treatments usually use measures of asthma control to assess efficacy. However, it is also important to determine whether patients themselves benefit from interventions. The [...]

HIV/AIDS is a major concern Health indicators are expected to deteriorate with the spread of HIV/AIDS. According to the UN agency, UNAIDS, there were 67,000 adults (including 37,000 women) and [...]

Currently, surgery is the preferred treatment for resectable lung cancer. Most surgical reports have focused on preoperative risk factors and operative mortality along with long-term survival. Late functional disabilities following [...]