Domestic Violence, Oral Health and HPV Prevalence In Migrant Women

Objectives: Describe the oral health status, history of domestic abuse and presence of oral infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in migrant women.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on Venezuelan migrant women. A structured questionnaire was used regarding socio-demographic characteristics (age, civil status, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status), oral health (dental caries, periodontal status, intraoral soft tissue injury), and domestic violence. For the evaluation of domestic violence and sexual abuse, the Norvold Abuse (NOR-AQ) and Abuse Assessment Screening (AAS) questionnaires were used. Exfoliated samples of the oral mucosa and subsequent DNA extraction were performed to identify the presence of HPV. Participants approved voluntary participation by informed consent, approved by institutional ethics committee. Descriptive statistics analysis.
Results: 100 migrant women, average age (38.99±13.03SD), 97% low socioeconomic status. The Norvold Abuse (NOR-AQ) questionnaire, assessed four components: emotional, physical, sexual and Abuse in the health care system. Emotional abuse; (44% mild, 15% moderate and 18% severe abuse); Physical abuse: (29% mild, 29% Moderate and 15% Severe abuse), Sexual abuse (8% Mild (non-genital contact), 5% Mild (emotional/sexual humiliation), 9% Moderate (genital contact) and 6% severe abuse (penetration)). In the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS), 8% has been emotionally or physically abused, 16% have been hit, slapped, kicked, 5% physically forced to have sexual activities. Regarding the oral health status, 58% were diagnosed with dental caries, according to ICDAS severity; 16% initial (1-2), 12% moderate (3 and 4) and 6% severe (5 and 6), DMF (decayed,missed, filled): 8.24 ± 6.07, decayed teeth: 1.82 ± 2.66, filled: 2.51 ± 2.9 and missed: 3.89 ±5.54; 68% had signs of periodontal disease, 6% had lesions in the oral mucosa, 100% of exfoliate mucosa samples had no evidence of HPV.
Conclusions: Poor indicators of oral health and significant signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse were found, greater efforts are suggested to detect these problems and promote primary prevention using a multidisciplinary approach.The opportunity for dental professionals to help victims gain access to support to make a positive difference in their lives must not be overlooked.