Oral Health Status and Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Prisoners in Central Prison of Nellore District - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Prisoners are unique population with many oral health problems. Prisoners are psychologically, socially, morally and economically affected group, which makes them to neglect their oral health. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was the most widely used instrument to assess the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in an individual. Few studies have observed that oral hygiene status of the prisoners is poor and there is a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases. AIM & OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the dental caries status, periodontal status, and the OHRQoL among prisoners of Nellore District. In addition, it is an attempt to find the effect of dental caries and periodontal disease on OHRQoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess dental caries, periodontal health status, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in prisoners of Nellore district. The Oral Health Impact Profile -14 questionnaires was given to the participants followed by Oral health status was assessed using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). RESULTS: A total of 115 prisoners were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries was 53.1% with mean DMFT of 2.6±3.5. Pockets measuring 4-5mm was observed among 10.4% and >6 mm was observed among 21.7% of prisoners. LOA was seen among 27.8% of prisoners. A significant correlation was found between OHIP-14 with Dental caries and periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that periodontal health and dentition status was poor among prisoners due to lack of accessibility to dental care and dental health education. Keywords: Oral health, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), prison inmates, dental caries, periodontal disease, loss of attachment.