Association of intelligence quotient with oral health status among orphan children and children of employed and unemployed mothers: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood intelligence is influenced by the caregiving environment and psychosocial factors, whereas oral health reflects overall care and health awareness. Evidence regarding the association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and oral health status across different caregiving settings remains limited. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between IQ and oral health status among orphaned children and children of employed and unemployed mothers aged 8-11 years. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 75 children aged 8-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were categorized into three groups: orphaned children (Group A), children of employed mothers (Group B), and children of unemployed mothers (Group C), with 25 participants in each group. IQ was assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices, and oral health status was evaluated using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), deft, and Gingival Index scores. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA, whereas associations between categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant association was found between IQ grading and DMFT, deft, or gingival Index scores. Oral health status also did not differ significantly across caregiver groups. However, caregiver status was significantly associated with IQ distribution ( χ2 = 16.941, P = 0.010), with orphaned children demonstrating comparatively lower IQ performance and no representation in the above-average IQ category. CONCLUSION: Caregiving environment appears to influence cognitive outcomes, with orphaned children exhibiting lower IQ scores. No significant association was found between IQ and oral health status.