Preferences and choice in clinical decision-making with the help of time trade-off and standard gamble techniques among periodontally compromised patients - A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: To assess the validity of time trade-off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) techniques of utility valuation among patients with periodontal problems by assessing their relation to two logical constructs; Gingival Index (GI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) Questionnaire.

Materials and methods: Two hundred and one patients aged 18 years old and above, who visited a tertiary care hospital for treatment/consultation were included. A questionnaire was administered to record the TTO, SG, and OHIP. GI, measuring the severity of the disease, was recorded. Bivariate and backward multiple regression analyses were done to find an association between the oral health utility values, OHIP, and the variables of interest (demographic and clinical characteristics including GI).

Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the TTO and SG utilities (P < 0.05) as the severity of the disease progressed from mild to severe. GI, as well as OHIP scores, were significant predictors in the case of both the TTO as well as SG (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: TTO and SG utilities were found to be valid and correlated well with clinical findings. Health utilities serve as useful and reliable markers of health-related quality of life among individuals as well as communities.