Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine oral health and oral health related habits among the prisoners in Pelso, Finland. Methods: Data collection was done September 2014 - February 2015. The study population comprised 100 prisoners: 89 males, 11 female, who had a clinical examination. Of the clinically examined prisoners, 50 were also interviewed( the mean age of respondents was 35 years) recording age, marital status, education and oral health- related habits such as brushing teeth, snacks and use of drugs and alcohol. Associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were analysed using cross tabulation; significance of differences between groups was tested using chi square test. The Ethical Committee of the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District and Criminal Sanctions Agency approved the study.
Results: The mean DT was 5.0 (SD 5.1). In DMFT [16.6 (SD 8.9)] FT comprised 6.9 (SD 5.2) and MT 4.7 (SD 6.1). Half of the whole study population (52. 5%) had a CPI score of 2. Almost all n=47 (98%) reported brushing their teeth daily; of them less than half two times a day (40%). Two thirds (n=30, 60%) reported eating sweets every day, one third (n=17, 33%) drinking soft drinks and a majority (n=44, 88%) smoking, but only one in five (n=10, 20%) using snus. Almost two thirds (n=31, 62%) had used illicit drugs over the course of their life. Almost all (n=44, 88%) drank alcohol once a week or more often. No statistically significant differences were discovered between dental treatment need and explanatory factors.
Conclusions: Oral health- related habits among this group of prisoners can be considered harmful for the dentition.
This group is homogenous for poor oral health and harmful dental behaviours.
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