Association of Self-Concept with Oral Health Status among Children Residing in Orphanages in Bengaluru

Abstract

BACKGROUND Self-concept is a fundamental domain of a person’s psychological function. Relation with family members and peers may influence self-concept which poses children in orphanages at risk. In order to implement and evaluate oral health interventions, we need to consider the functional and psychosocial dimensions of oral health. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between self-concept and oral health status among 12 - 17 year olds residing in orphanages in Bengaluru. METHODS The study was carried out among children living in orphanages. A cluster sampling method was used to select 269 participants from 9 orphanages in Bengaluru. The self-concept of the study participants was assessed using R. K. Saraswat’s selfconcept questionnaire. Oral health status was recorded using world health organization (WHO) oral health assessment form 2013. RESULTS Majority of the children in orphanages had an above average (45 %) and average selfconcept (39 %). Dental caries was present in 91.1 %, missing teeth in 19.7 %, filled teeth in 20.4 %, dental trauma in 17.9, gingival bleeding in 14.5 %, erosion in 5.9 % and oral mucosal lesions in 10.03 % of study participants. CONCLUSIONS Orphan children have an above average self-concept but are at an increased risk for oral diseases. KEY WORDS Self-Concept, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, Trauma, Orphanage