Quality of Life and Mental Health Well-Being in Sjögren’s Disease in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and mental health well-being in female patients diagnosed with Sjögren’s Disease compared with healthy controls. Methods: An ethically approved cross-sectional study was carried out on 65 female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Sjögren’s Disease according to the American European Association Consensus Group Criteria and 61 sex-matched healthy volunteers. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to evaluate the general and oral health-related QoL (OHRQoL) and the mental health well-being of the participants. Results: The general QoL was lower in the patients’ group (p < 0.05) compared with the control group in all four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environment). The OHRQoL was significantly reduced in the patients’ group, who were more anxious (58.5%, n = 38/65) and four times more depressed (32.3%, n = 21/65) compared with healthy volunteers (anxiety = 21%, n = 13/61; depression = 8.2%, n = 5/61). Conclusions: This study concludes that Sjögren’s Disease negatively affects QoL and mental well-being. Therefore, addressing these aspects in patients’ management is crucial to helping individuals cope with the disease’s burden and ultimately enhancing their overall life experience.