Oral health perceptions among malaysian elite athletes and para-athletes: Psychosocial impacts, sports performance, and barriers to care / Lynn Ko Wei Linn

Lynn , Ko Wei Linn (2025) Oral health perceptions among malaysian elite athletes and para-athletes: Psychosocial impacts, sports performance, and barriers to care / Lynn Ko Wei Linn. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

Background: Oral health is an integral part of general health and is paramount for optimal athletic performance and maintaining good quality of life. Aim: To compare the perception of oral health status and its impact on psychosocial aspects and sports performance among Malaysian elite athletes and para-athletes. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted with Phase I being an institutional cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative study utilising purposive sampling of elite athletes and para-athletes using a questionnaire adapted from the Oral Health Screening Toolkit for Athletes developed by University College London, UK. Data collection was carried out February-June 2022 for elite para-athletes; and April 2023-February 2024 for elite athletes. This was followed by semi-structured interviews conducted May-July 2024. The interview explored perceived oral health status, impacts on psychosocial aspects and sports performance, barriers to accessing routine oral care, and suggestions for improving oral healthcare delivery. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns and differences between the two groups. Results: A total of 57 elite para-athletes and 57 elite athletes were age and sex matched for comparative analysis. There were no significant differences in perceived health and oral health status among elite athletes and para-athletes. Oral health related psychosocial impacts were not significantly different between elite para-athletes (Median=8.33, IQR=20.83) and elite athletes (Median=8.33, IQR=25.00). The total impact score for sports performance was significantly lower in elite para-athletes (M=9.23, SD=12.14) compared to elite athletes (M=17.07, SD=21.59) with a difference of -7.84 (95% CI,-14.3 to -1.3). Thematic analysis revealed that oral health impacts athletes' psychosocial well-being and performance, affecting their confidence, social interactions, and training routines. Barriers to oral healthcare include limited accessibility, high treatment costs, and time constraints, highlighting the need for tailored strategies such as improved access, integrated services at sports institutions, educational campaigns, and supportive policies. Conclusion: This is the first study comparing self-reported oral health among elite athlete and elite para-athlete population in Malaysia. The study highlights the need for improved oral healthcare access and services for elite athletes and para-athletes. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring athletes maintain optimal oral health, supporting both their social well-being and sports performance.

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