Abstract C095: Self-reported oral health indicators and lifestyle risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico, Mexico and San Francisco

Abstract Introduction: Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has been associated with lifestyles behaviors, periodontal disease, and poor oral health. While many cases of OPC are linked to human papilloma virus (HPV), almost one-third are associated with other preventable risk factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate oral health indicators, symptoms related to periodontitis and cancer-related behaviors among a multi-site sample of Hispanic PLWH. Methods: Cross-sectional data from Hispanic PLWH enrolled in the CAMPO Oral Health cohort, a multi-site study conducted in Puerto Rico (PR), Mexico, and San Francisco (SF) from May 2023 to June 2025 (n=562) was analyzed. Participants were ≥21 years old and completed a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire. We analyzed self-reported periodontal symptoms (bleeding gums, loose teeth, tooth loss), oral hygiene habits, and cancer-related behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana use). Oral hygiene practices were evaluated using a composite variable based on the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines: brushing twice daily, flossing at least one time a day, and visiting a dentist every six months. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with compliance with ADA guidelines and 2) having symptoms of periodontitis. Results: Participants were distributed across three study sites: 45.7% from PR, 35.9% from Mexico, and 18.3% from SF. Most were male (66.1%) and aged 21-44 years (44.8%). More than half (52.5%) had an education level of high school or less, and 73.3% reported an annual income of <$20,000. Most had health insurance (64.2%), were employed (58.7%) and had been living with HIV for 10 years or more (52.8%). Only 9.6% comply with the ADA-guidelines oral health practices. Periodontal disease symptoms were prevalent, including bleeding gums (18.0%), loose teeth (8.0%), and tooth loss due to periodontal disease (16.1%). High cancer-related lifestyle risk behaviors were observed such as current alcohol use (54.7%), smoking (24.9%), and marijuana use (19.3%). No strong predictors of ADA compliance were identified. Meanwhile, lower odds of periodontitis symptoms were observed among PLWH from PR as compared to those living in Mexico (OR:0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.88), persons with a level of education higher than high school (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.99), and with an income of ≥$20,000 (OR:0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.93) in comparison to their counterparts. Conclusion: Our results highlight the need for targeted oral health interventions considering the social determinants of health and the importance of integrating oral health into HIV care. Citation Format: Celianne M. Viera Rodriguez, Jeslie M. Ramos Cartagena, Frances Vázques Sánchez, Michael A. Santiago Marrero, Jorge Salmeron, Joel Palefsky, Ana P. Ortiz. Self-reported oral health indicators and lifestyle risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico, Mexico and San Francisco [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C095.