Oral Mucosal Lesions among Prisoners in Central Prison, Chennai, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Oral health status of prisoners has been an area of concern worldwide. The prison population is unique in nature because of the complexities of their psychological, social and behavioral aspects. Limited oral healthcare facilities in prison settings have resulted in neglect of oral health among prisoners. Aim The present study aims to assess oral mucosal lesions among prisoners in Central Prison, Chennai. Materials and methods A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai. The study population consisted of 1060 prisoners from three divisions of the Central Prison. Oral mucosal lesions among the prisoners were assessed by a single investigator according to World Health Organization (WHO) specifications. Results The present study shows that among the study subjects, 37.7% of males and 17.1% of females developed oral mucosal lesions. The prevalence of smokers melanosis was 27.6% among males and 8.6% among females. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was found to be highest in study subjects of 55 years and above. Conclusion A large proportion of the study subjects had oral mucosal lesions. Oral mucosal lesions like oral submucosis fibrosis, smokers palate and smokers melanosis was found to be common among males than females. Oral healthcare facilities should be incorporated in prison settings which would intercept the progress of oral mucosal lesions. How to cite this article George B, Johny MK, Mathew TA. Oral Mucosal Lesions among Prisoners in Central Prison, Chennai, India. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(2):77-79.