The Influence of Oral Health Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Oral Health Risk-Related Behaviours of People in Custodial Settings: An Integrative Review
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Izabella Barak1,2, Brandon W Smith1,2, Ajesh George1,3,4,5,6
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Aim:
To explore the influence of oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health risk-related behaviours of people in custodial settings.
Design:
Integrative review.
Data Sources:
Scopus, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and Education Research Complete were searched in March 2024 and December 2025.
Methods:
Studies reporting on any individuals in custodial settings, at least one oral health-related knowledge, attitude or practice and at least one oral health risk-related behaviour (either smoking, alcohol, illicit substances or sugar consumption). Data related to custodial population's oral health knowledge, attitudes, or practices and oral health risk-related behaviour were extracted, synthesised narratively and reported thematically.
Results:
Findings from the 26 studies reveal that people in custodial settings had a general lack of oral health knowledge, and oral health risk-related behaviours were prevalent. The most common risk-related behaviours reported were tobacco use and free sugar consumption. Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of this population were influenced by custodial healthcare systems and attitudes of dental professionals.
Conclusion:
This review highlights the influence custodial healthcare and dental professionals have on the knowledge, attitudes, practices and risk-related behaviours of people in custodial settings. Oral health targeted interventions and strategies are required to improve oral health-related knowledge and attitudes thereby encouraging oral health practices among people in custodial settings.
Implications For The Profession:
This review will inform targeted oral health promotion programs that can improve oral health outcomes and experiences of this population.
Impact:
People in custodial settings experience a disproportionate burden of oral diseases. This review underscores the need for proactive interventions and systemic reform to improve correctional healthcare experiences globally.
Reporting Method:
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) 2018.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
No patient or public contribution. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Synthesises evidence on influencing factors contributing to poor oral health among people in custodial settings. Highlights impact of healthcare staff and custodial healthcare systems on population health. Highlights the necessity of oral health promotion programs to improve oral health knowledge and to promote oral health protective behaviours.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
