Prevalence and Determinants of Oral Health Conditions among Adolescent Female Detainees in Bamako, Mali: A Cross-sectional Study Evaluating Oral Health Status, Hygiene Behaviors, and Access to Care Among Detained Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a critical yet often neglected aspect of public health in low-income countries, particularly among vulnerable populations such as incarcerated adolescents. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, types, and determinants of oral health conditions among adolescent female detainees at the Bolé Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Bamako, Mali.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2025 among 90 adolescent female detainees aged 12–17 years. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Oral Health Surveys (5th Edition) and clinical oral examinations following WHO criteria. Dental caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, with variables significant at p < 0.20 included in multivariable logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of dental caries.
Results: The mean age of participants was 15.2 years (SD ± 1.4), with the majority aged 14–15 years (63.3%). Most participants had primary-level education (33.3%) and were unemployed before detention (55.4%). Oral hygiene practices showed that 74.4% brushed their teeth at least once daily, with 79.1% using a toothbrush and 20.9% using a chewing stick. Clinical examination revealed a high prevalence of oral conditions: dental caries (66.7%), periodontal disease (22.2%), oral ulcers (6.7%), and dental malocclusion (4.4%). Improper brushing technique was observed in 92.2% of participants. Among participants with dental caries, 40% required urgent treatment (extractions or restorations), while 26.7% needed routine preventive care. Most participants (61.1%) identified poor oral hygiene as the main cause of dental disease.
Conclusion: Oral diseases are highly prevalent among adolescent female detainees in Bamako, reflecting gaps in preventive care and oral hygiene practices. Integration of structured oral health education, routine dental screenings, and provision of hygiene materials into detention healthcare programs is urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes and overall well-being in this vulnerable population.