Impact of oral conditions on the quality of life of incarcerated women in Brazil

Abstract

Imprisoned women represent a growing population worldwide with important health needs. In this study, we aimed to analyze the impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life of female inmates in a maximum security correctional facility. Participants were examined and answered the OHIP-14 questionnaire. A total of 305 inmates were included in the study. Prevalence of untreated caries was 84%. Worse quality of life was associated with dental caries, dental pain, deep periodontal pocket, prosthetic use, and age. Sociodental indicators should be incorporated into healthcare and health policies in order to promote wellbeing among this vulnerable population.

Acknowledgments

Institutional approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná – PUCPR [process number 414.059]. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Written consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [grant number 143789/2015-5].