Oral health implications of increased cannabis use among older adults: Another public health concern?

Abstract Background A nutritional problem, especially under nutrition is one of the common public health problems in older population causing greater mortality and economic loss in developing countries. However, evidences on the risk factors for increased nutritional risk among older population is not well stated in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and predictors of malnutrition among older adults (> = 65 years) in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based analytical survey was conducted among randomly selected 592 older people aged above 65 years of age in Harari region. Subjects were selected using multistage sampling pretested Full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to classify as malnourished (MNA score < 17), at risk of malnutrition (MNA score of 17 to 23.5) and otherwise normal. Validated geriatric depression scale short form (15 items) was employed to screen for depression. Data were presented using statistical tables, frequency, percentage, and graphs. Ordinary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of malnutrition and plum method was used to generate odds ratio. The level of statistical significance was declared at P-value less than 5%. Chi-square test, crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence was reported. Results A total of 592 respondents (93.4%) were interviewed. About 306 (51.7%) and 93 (15.7%) were found to be at risk of malnutrition and malnourished respectively. The predicted log odds of being malnourished was higher among those from rural residents (AOR = 2.08: 1.25–3.45), not on working (AOR = 1.31: 95% CI: 0.87–1.95) and did not have health insurance (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI; 0.97–2.58). Those with chronic pain (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15–2.51), previous hospitalization (AOR = 1.59: 95% CI: 1.27–2.38) and not able to cover their personal expense (AOR =1.61: 95% CI: 1.12–2.30) were predictors of malnutrition. The relationship between previous hospitalizations with malnutrition among older adults people is moderated significantly by the presence of chronic pain (β = 0.113, p = 0.015). Conclusions Malnutrition among old age is a public health concern that needs attention. Economical vulnerability, residence, depression, presence of chronic disease, and hospitalization were important risk factors for malnutrition among old age.

Download Full-text

A systematic review-Assessing of the relationship between oral health literacy and dental anxiety among adult patients. (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.20004 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Murtaza Farkhan

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Dental Health ◽

Dental Anxiety ◽

Health Concern ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Oral Health Literacy

BACKGROUND Dental anxiety has been reported to be a common problem affecting widespread populations in different societies, hence a global public health concern. So far, there are few studies considering the development of dental anxiety and oral health literacy. OBJECTIVE Dental anxiety has been reported to be a common problem affecting widespread populations in different societies, hence a global public health concern. So far, there are few studies considering the development of dental anxiety and oral health literacy. METHODS This review of the literature used the PRISMA strategy for the review of articles. Articles collected and reviewed between June 2019 and March 2020. A sample determined according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the topic by using Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline via OVID, and Cochrane databases. Studies that have analyzed the effect of oral health literacy and dental anxiety. RESULTS Findings from the majority of the studies suggest that Lack of adequate dental health education may result in a high level of dental anxiety among adults population. On average health literacy levels were lower among particular groups (men, older adults, those in poverty, those who received publically funded insurance, those with lower levels of education and those who failed to finish high school). CONCLUSIONS definitive conclusions from the studies reviewed are not possible due to the differences in the study population, age characteristics considered, methods used and statistical tests performed. Further research is required to pay particular attention to younger patients and patients who report previous negative experiences associated with a dental consultation.

Download Full-text

The Role of Sarcopenic Obesity in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: A Synthesis of the Evidence on Pathophysiological Aspects and Clinical Implications

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 4339

Author(s):

Erika Aparecida Silveira ◽

Rômulo Roosevelt da Silva Filho ◽

Maria Claudia Bernardes Spexoto ◽

Fahimeh Haghighatdoost ◽

Nizal Sarrafzadegan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

High Risk ◽

Sarcopenic Obesity ◽

Health Concern ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Epidemiological Evidence

Obesity is globally a serious public health concern and is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and various types of cancers. It is important to evaluate various types of obesity, such as visceral and sarcopenic obesity. The evidence on the associated risk of CVD, cancer and sarcopenic obesity, including pathophysiological aspects, occurrence, clinical implications and survival, needs further investigation. Sarcopenic obesity is a relatively new term. It is a clinical condition that primarily affects older adults. There are several endocrine-hormonal, metabolic and lifestyle aspects involved in the occurrence of sarcopenic obesity that affect pathophysiological aspects that, in turn, contribute to CVD and neoplasms. However, there is no available evidence on the role of sarcopenic obesity in the occurrence of CVD and cancer and its pathophysiological interplay. Therefore, this review aims to describe the pathophysiological aspects and the clinical and epidemiological evidence on the role of sarcopenic obesity related to the occurrence and mortality risk of various types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This literature review highlights the need for further research on sarcopenic obesity to demonstrate the interrelation of these various associations.

Download Full-text

Geriatric gambling disorder: challenges in clinical assessment

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610217001843 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (12) ◽

pp. 2105-2106 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mara Smith ◽

Ana Hategan ◽

James A. Bourgeois

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Clinical Assessment ◽

Gambling Disorder ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Geriatric Population ◽

Gaming Industry

To the Editor: The gaming industry is growing rapidly, as is the proportion of older adults aged 65 years or older who participate in gambling (Tse et al., 2012). With casinos tailoring their venues and providing incentives to attract older adults, and with the increasing popularity of “pleasure trips” to casinos organized by retirement homes, plus active promotion of government-operated lotteries in many countries, this trend is likely to continue. Gambling disorder (GD) or “pathological” or “problem” gambling presents a public health concern in the geriatric population. However, ascertainment of its prevalence and diagnostic accuracy have proven challenging. This is largely due to the absence of diagnostic criteria specific to the geriatric age and rating scales validated for use in this population.

Download Full-text

Obesity and Its Role in Oral Health

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice ◽

10.46743/1540-580x/2007.1132 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Ashley Karels ◽

Bridgette Cooper

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Health Concern ◽

Care Providers ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

Impact On Treatment

Obesity is a serious public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions. This paper addresses the role obesity plays in several health conditions, in addition to how it negatively affects a person’s oral health. Oral health care providers can have a positive impact on treatment outcomes by recognizing patients at risk for obesity and addressing these issues.

Download Full-text

The Effectiveness of Nanomaterials in the Management of Dentine Hypersensitivity-A Review

Journal of Clinical Review & Case Reports ◽

10.33140/jcrc/03/08/00003 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (8) ◽

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

Dentin Hypersensitivity ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Dentinal Tubules ◽

Dentine Hypersensitivity ◽

Sharp Pain ◽

New Strategy

Dentin hypersensitivity [DH] associated with short sharp pain is a public health concern with a dire consequence to good oral health hygiene. Although different materials and desensitizing toothpastes have flooded the market with claim to provide relief for DH patients by occluding patent dentinal tubules, their occluding abilities have been limited. As such, a new strategy it’s required to effectively manage DH. The use of nanomaterial for dentinal tubules occlusion is predicted to revolutionize the treatment of DH. This article aimed to review the effectiveness of nanomaterials in the management of DH.

Download Full-text