Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Srilankan Refugees Residing in Gummidipoondi, India

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have indicated that refugees should be regarded as groups “at risk” to oral health. It must be assumed that the high prevalence of dental disease and neglected oral hygiene can also be the result of low priorities of oral health care compared to the more immediate problems of resettlement. Cultural isolation, lack of communication, cultural rejection, and language difficulties also prevent the refugees from getting access to oral health care. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of the Srilankan refugees residing in Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu, India.

Objectives: To assess the oral health status and treatment needs of Srilankan refugees residing in Gummidipoondi.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study was performed to determine the oral health status and treatment needs among Srilankan refugees. In order to assess the oral health status and treatment needs, the clinical assessment of dental fluorosis, community periodontal index, loss of attachment, dentition status and treatment need, prosthetic status and prosthetic need was recorded based on a modified World Health Organization 1997 proforma.

Statistical Analysis Used: Multi‑group analysis was done using analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 1200 subjects, 28 (2.3%) of the study participants had dental fluorosis. In terms of periodontal status, only 7% had healthy periodontium and 42% had pockets. The mean number of sextants with deep pockets increased with increase in age and was found to be more in males (1.57) as compared to females (0.97). The mean DMFT was high among 55-64 years (13.7) and least among 15-24 years (2.7). 44.7% of the subjects required upper partial denture and 78.7% of the subjects required lower partial denture and 1.6% require complete dentures.

Conclusions: There is s marked variability in the distribution of the oral diseases, especially dental caries, periodontal diseases, edentulism among the study population and the need for health education and dental care is vital.