Perceptual, Psychosocial, and Clinical Determinants of Oral Health among Incarcerated Adolescent Females: A Mixed-construct Appraisal of Developmental Well-being in Custodial Environments

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health and self-perceived status of juvenile female inmates.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 female juvenile inmates aged 11-14 years, selected through convenience sampling.Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographics, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) for self-perceived oral health.Results: Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.Decayed, Missing, and Filled Tooth scores were significantly associated with CPQ categories, with 63.3% of caries-free children reporting excellent oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).As DMFT increased, OHRQoL declined-only 25.8% with DMFT = 2 reported excellent OHRQoL, while 12.9% rated it poor.Similarly, better oral hygiene was linked to higher OHRQoL: 55.6% of children with good hygiene reported excellent OHRQoL, compared to 40.6% with fair hygiene.Poorer clinical status correlated with lower self-perceived OHRQoL. Conclusion:The study highlights a clear link between poor oral health and negative self-perception among female juvenile inmates.Clinical significance: Integrating oral health care with education and psychological support in detention settings is crucial to improve their overall well-being, self-esteem, and rehabilitation outcomes.