Assessment of Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus – A cross Sectional Study

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Oral lichen planus is a long-lasting condition that results in oral lesions, discomfort, and functional difficulties, thereby diminishing the quality of life related to oral health. This study assesses the severity of symptoms in Oral lichen planus (OLP) patients and how it affects their quality of life. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study conducted at Bangladesh Medical University and Bangladesh Multicare Hospital (January–December 2025) involved 74 patients with OLP. Sociodemographic and clinical information was gathered, and the severity of symptoms was rated (0 = None to 3 = Severe). Quality of life related to oral health was evaluated using OHIP‑14, with scores classified as high (<19), medium (19–37), or low (38–56). Descriptive statistics provided an overview of the data, and Chi-square tests assessed the relationships between symptom severity and quality of life (p < 0.05). Results: Among 74 OLP patients, 55% were female, mostly aged 30–45 years (43%), with 35% housewives. Reticular lesions (39%) mainly affected the buccal mucosa (46%), and burning sensation was the most common symptom (46%). Symptom severity was mild (51%), moderate (30%), severe (12%), with a mean OHIP‑14 score of 20.9 ± 5.3. Quality of life was medium in 62%, high in 31%, low in 7%, and correlated significantly with symptom severity (χ² = 24.6, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Oral Lichen Planus impacts middle-aged individuals, presenting as reticular lesions in the mouth; the intensity of symptoms, particularly burning, correlates with diminished quality of life, highlighting the necessity for prompt treatment.