Caries and periodontal health status of male inmates: a retrospective study conducted in a French prison
International Journal of Prison Health
ISSN: 2977-0254
Article publication date: 29 July 2024
Issue publication date: 27 August 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of inmates. The secondary aims were to compare recidivists with first-time offenders and also study the impact of psychoactive drugs on the oral health status.
Design/methodology/approach
This retrospective study included 120 male inmates from a French prison. Data from the medical and the dental questionnaires and examinations were collected and analyzed.
Findings
The results showed that overall, the inmates had a poor oral health despite their young age. This population was at high risk regarding caries and periodontal diseases due to sedentary behaviors, improper diet, drug, alcohol and tobacco consumption. In total, 93% of inmates had at least one decayed untreated tooth and 95% had periodontal disease. The use of psychoactive drugs seemed strongly related to oral health status degradation. However, the comparison between recidivists and first-time offenders showed few differences.
Practical implications
The need for periodontal and dental care is considerable in this population and increased in this environment where risk factors such as addictive behaviors and poor eating habits are common. The impact of psychoactive drugs on oral health should also be taken into consideration.
Social implications
Unfortunately, even though strategies for the prevention and management of oral health in prisons have been put in place for some years, the results still seem insufficient.
Originality/value
There are still few studies that analyze the impact of this medication on oral health in prisons.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Authors contribution: C.B. and G.F. contributed to acquisition data. A.A., S.L.-D., C.N., C.T. and G.F. contributed to analyses and interpretation of data. C.T. and G.F. contributed to conception and design the study and manuscript draft. A.A., S.L.-D., C.B., A.B., C.N., C.T. and G.F. critically revised manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
All authors declare the absence of actual or potential conflicts of interest directly or indirectly, related to the work.
Conflicts of interest: the authors declare that they have no competing interest and no conflict of interests.
Funding: this research received no external funding.
Citation
Ancely, A., Laurencin-Dalicieux, S., Baussois, C., Blanc, A., Nabet, C., Thomas, C. and Fournier, G. (2024), "Caries and periodontal health status of male inmates: a retrospective study conducted in a French prison", International Journal of Prison Health, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 344-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-10-2022-0066
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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