Table 1 Characteristics of the included studies

Abrahamsson [24]

Sweden

Grounded theory/clinic

Open interview/constant comparative method

17 (7, 10)

42–68y

A core concept: keeping up appearance and self-esteem

1. Doing what you have to do, trying to live up to the norm

2. Suddenly have a shameful and disabling disease

3. Feeling deserted and in the hands of an authority

4. Invest all in a treatment with an unpredictable outcome

Karlsson [25]

Sweden

Phenomeno-graphic approach/clinic and participant’s home

Semi-structured interview/identify & mark, condense, and compare & name

10 (5, 5)

34–78y

1. Perceptions of disease

2. Perceptions of having the disease under control

Stenman [26]

Sweden

Grounded Theory/outside the clinic

Open-ended interview/constant comparative method

16 (7, 9)

41–68y

A core concept: Understanding the seriousness of the disease condition

1. The need to be treated respectfully

2. To gain insight

3. Frustration about the financial cost for treatment

4. Feelings of control over the situation

O'Dowd [19]

UK

Qualitative design/non-clinical setting

Semi-structured interview/constant comparativemethod

14 (6, 8)

29–65y

1. Impairment

2. Functional limitation

3. Discomfort

4. Disability

5. Stigma

6. Retrospective regret

Horne [20]

New Zealand

Qualitative design/conference room

Diary, semi-structured interview/inductive thematic analysis

14 (5, 9)

35–68y

A core theme: progression to a more positive outlook

1. Concealment

2. Having a guilty conscience

3. Patient comfort as paramount

Pyo [21]

Korea

Qualitative design/hospital conference room

In-depth semi-structured interview/data segmentation and then categorization

19 (7, 12)The 40–60s

(40–69y)

1. Interfering element for dental care

2. Declined quality of life caused by dental disease

3. Satisfaction elements after treatment of dental disease

4. Improvements for voluntary dental care

Hijryana [22]

Indonesia

Qualitative design/non-clinical setting

Semi-structured interview/thematic analysis

31 (15, 16)

60–80y

1. Impairments related to PD

2. Pain and physical discomfort related to PD

3. Functional limitations and physical activity restriction as a result of PD

4. Psychological discomfort as a result of PD

5. Psychological disability as an impact of PD

6. Social disability due to oral health problems

Wong [23]

Singapore

Qualitative design/office setting of centre for oral health

In-depth semi-structured interview/inductive thematic analysis

10 (4, 6)

22–58y

1. Knowledge of PD and its relationship with

2. Systemic health and QoL

3. Experience and perception on how periodontal treatment can improve QoL

4. Perceived value of having a disease- specific QoL instrument for PD