Craniofacial injury patterns and dentoalveolar trauma among incarcerated adults in brazil

a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The Brazilian prison population faces overcrowding, unhealthy conditions, and fragile public health policies, factors that contribute to physical and oral health problems, including facial and dental trauma. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of facial injuries related to forensic traumatology among incarcerated individuals, identify oral alterations and head and neck injuries resulting from trauma, and characterize their main causes and most frequent types. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 163 individuals incarcerated at the Custody and Reintegration Unit of Marituba II, Pará, Brazil. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations. Descriptive statistics, association tests (Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test), and bivariate logistic regression were performed, adopting a 5% significance level. Results: Facial injuries were observed in 31.9% of participants, predominantly lacerations and blunt injuries. Dental injuries occurred in 12.3% of cases, mainly enamel and dentin fractures and subluxations, more frequent in the upper anterior teeth. Dental injuries were associated with age (p = 0.002) and length of incarceration (p = 0.046). Conclusion: There was a moderate prevalence of facial trauma and a low prevalence of dental trauma in the studied population.