oral health impact profile and associated variables in southern brazilian drug users

Background: this study investigated the association between sociodemographic, behavioral, oral health, variables of drug consumption, and the short version of the oral health impact profile (ohip-14), in southern brazilian drug users. methods: in this cross-sectional study, 202 drug users aged 18 or over admitted for treatment at the institute for research and treatment of alcoholism (instituto de pesquisa e tratamento do alcoolismo -ipta) from the municipality of campo largo, pr, brazil, from 2012 to 2014, were involved. they answered a questionnaire and were examined by a calibrated researcher. data were collected and bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariate (logistic regression and wald’s test) analyses were performed. results: there was statistical difference (p<0.05) in bivariate analysis and the worst impacts were reported by non-whites, those who reported feeling metallic taste in mouth and tooth mobility, which use cigarettes for over 15 yr and consume more than 3 g of crack/day, with dmft >10, and number of teeth in mouth ≤27. in the multivariate analysis, statistical difference remained, except for ethnicity (p=0.207). conclusion: self-perception of oral health was associated with the variables explored, which suggests the need for strategies focused on this population.