scholarly journals Perceptions of provincial and district level managers’ on the policy implementation of school oral health in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mpho Molete ◽  
Aimee Stewart ◽  
Aneesa Moolla ◽  
Jude Ofuzinim Igumbor
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Local Level ◽  
District Level ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Policy Translation

Abstract Background Although school oral health programmes have been ongoing for years, there is little evidence to show how their policy elements are governed or translated into tangible implementation activities and population outcomes at the district level. The need for such a study is heightened by the persistent burden of oral health conditions and unmet oral treatment needs of South Africa’s children. This study therefore sought to describe provincial and district level managers’ perceptions of school oral health policy, and to identify gaps and conditions needed for successful policy implementation. Methods This was an exploratory qualitative study where eight oral health managers from the Gauteng provincial and district offices were purposively sampled. Data were collected using interviews and a policy review rubric. The 10 Siddiqi governance principles framework was used to guide the data analysis. Results The managers’ perceptions and the policy document review indicated that national policy covered the principles of strategic vision, responsiveness to health needs, equity and inclusivity with clarity; however these principles were not translated consistently by the managers at a local level. Policy gaps were identified in the areas of stakeholder involvement, accountability, reliable information systems and ethical guidelines. Much of the gaps in policy translation were attributed to inadequate human resources and poor communication processes by the national leadership to support district level implementation. Conclusions There were inconsistencies in policy awareness and translation in the districts and hence an in-depth review of the policy translation gaps is paramount to its efficient resolution in the context of resource and capacity limitations. Furthermore, optimizing multi-sectoral participation and identifying shared, novel and practical solutions to policy translation impediments is necessary.

scholarly journals How Does Gender Influence Oral Health and Quality of Life?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Skoskiewicz-Malinowska ◽  
Urszula Kaczmarek ◽  
Barbara Malicka
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Middle Income

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of ageing people and women have a longer life expectancy compared to men. This study aims to compare oral health parameters and conduct a psychometric assessment using standardised questionnaires in a group of the elderly of both gender aged 65 and more.MethodsThe survey involved 500 residents of Wroclaw, aged 65 and older, of both gender. There was an oral and questionnaire examination performed. QoL was evaluated using Euro-Quality of Life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Patient Health Questionnaire, which were validated for the Polish population. The relationship strength between psychometric scale scores and sociodemographic and clinical factors was determined by calculating Spearman's linear correlation coefficient values and regression coefficient values.ResultsThe prevalence of xerostomia assesed by the Challacombe scale was diagnosed significantly more frequently in women then men. (36.9% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.076). The men were significantly more likely to have high treatment needs (36.1% vs. 26.9%; p = 0.032) and they required urgent dental treatment (7.2% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.022). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of QoL evaluated by EQ-5D, EQ-5D VAS or OHIP-14 questionnaires in both subgroups (6.7±1.9 vs. 7.1±2.2, 66.1±18.6 vs. 67.9±20.9, 8.5±14.0 vs. 7.2±12.9; p > 0.05). Only women had higher severity of depressive symptoms measured using the PHQ-9 questionnaire (4.0±4.1 vs. 2.8±3.8; p<0.001).ConclusionIt can be concluded that the independent predictors which significantly affect the high QoL scores on the EQ-5D scale were found to be female gender, age below 75, high or middle income, independence in daily life, a low number of comorbidities, lack of oral treatment needs.

Oral Health in Adult Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Mixed Method Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110074
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Violet D’Souza ◽  
Timothy A Thomsen ◽  
Stephanie Gilbertson-White ◽  
Jirakate Madiloggovit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Oral Exam ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Care Clinic

Background: Oral disease is highly prevalent in persons receiving palliative care (PRPC). Yet, little is known about how PRPC perceive their oral health status and related treatment needs. Methods: This mixed-method study included 49 English-speaking PRPC (age≥18) recruited from the University of Iowa Palliative Care Clinic. Participants first completed a structured review of oral symptoms, followed by an oral exam. A nested sample of 11 participants also completed a semi-structured, in-depth interview querying their perceived oral health concerns and related treatment needs. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed and integrated for interpretation. Results: Participants averaged 58.4 years. Nearly 70% had terminal cancer and 25% had advanced organ failure. Eighty-six percent of participants reported at least one oral symptom, including dry mouth (83.7%), a pain-related symptom (40.8%), or oral function difficulties (51.0%). Among the 31 dentate participants, 52% had untreated decayed/broken teeth and 33.3% had oral soft tissue lesions. Ill-fitting dentures and denture sores were common among denture users. About 40% of participants reported compromised health and/or quality of life due to oral conditions; however, the perceived impacts were modest. With the exception of painful conditions, oral treatment was not a priority for most of the participants. Conclusion: Oral disease was highly prevalent in PRPC, yet its overall impact was modest. In the absence of painful symptoms, most participants reported limited desire to seek treatment for oral health conditions. However, given the serious impacts of untreated oral diseases, oral healthcare decision should not be based solely on self-reported symptoms or distress.

scholarly journals Gender-wise comparison of oral health quality of life and its relationship with oral health parameters among elderly from Wroclaw, south-west Poland

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259286
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Skośkiewicz-Malinowska ◽  
Urszula Kaczmarek ◽  
Barbara Malicka
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Oral Dryness ◽  
Health Parameters

Background In recent years, there has been an increase of aging population with longer life expectancy in females. This study aims to compare some oral health parameters and quality of life in the elderly. Methods The survey involved 500 urban residents (Wroclaw, Poland) aged 65 and older, of both gender. Socio-demografic data were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Clinical examination included oral health assessment by the World Health Organization criteria with extension and oral dryness (Chalacombe scale). Quality of Life (QoL) was evaluated using Euro-Quality of Life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which were validated for the Polish population. The relationship strength between psychometric scale scores and sociodemographic and clinical factors was determined by calculating Spearman’s linear correlation coefficient values and regression coefficient values. Results There was no gender-wise differences in oral health parameters, except for a higher number of decayed teeth in males (DT 1.9±3.2 vs 1.2±2.4; p = 0.34). Oral dryness was diagnosed significantly more frequently in females then males (36.9% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.076). The males were significantly more likely to have high treatment needs (36.1% vs. 26.9%; p = 0.032) and they required urgent dental treatment (7.2% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in terms of QoL evaluated by EQ-5D, EQ-5D VAS or OHIP-14 questionnaires between males and females (0.832±0.194 vs 0.855±0.197, 67.9±10.9 vs 66.1±18.6, 7.2±12.9 vs 8.5±14.0, respectively; p > 0.05). However, females presented the higher severity of depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ-9 questionnaire (4.0±4.1 vs. 2.8±3.8; p<0.001). Conclusion It can be concluded that the independent predictors which significantly affect the high QoL scores on the EQ-5D scale were found to be female gender, age below 75, high or middle income, independence in daily life, a low number of comorbidities, lack of oral treatment needs.

Compliance and Conflict of Value in Public Policy Implementation: Comparison between the New Order and the Reformation Era

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwiyanto Indiahono ◽  
Erwan Purwanto ◽  
Agus Pramusinto
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
New Order ◽  
The Reformation ◽  
Public Policy Implementation ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Conflict Of Value ◽  
The Relationship

This research aims to examine differences in the relationship of bureaucratic and political officials during the New Order (Soeharto’s era) and the Reformation (post-Soeharto) era within the arena of public policy implementation. This is a matter of importance given that there is a change in relations between the two from integration in the New Order to bureaucratic impartiality in the Reformation Era. This study attempts to answer the question: How were the relations of bureaucratic and political officials in the implementation of local level public policy during the New Order and the Reformation Era? A qualitative research has been conducted in Tegal Municipality using the following data collection techniques: interview, focus group discussion, documentation, and observation. Tegal Municipality was selected as the study location because of the unique relationship shown between the mayor and the bureaucracy. Its uniqueness lies in the emergence of bureaucratic officials who dare to oppose political officials, based on their convictions that bureaucratic/public values should be maintained even if it means having to be in direct conflict with political officials. This research indicates that the relationship between bureaucratic and political officials in the arena of local level policy implementation during the New Order was characterized as being full of pressure and compliance, whereas during the Reformation Era bureaucrats have the audacity to hinder policy implementation. Such audacity to thwart policies is considered to have developed from a stance that aims to protect public budget and values in policies. The occurring conflict of values here demonstrates a dichotomy of political and bureaucratic officials that is different from the prevailing definition of politics-administration dichotomy introduced at the onset of Public Administration studies.

scholarly journals A survey on oral health status and treatment needs of life-imprisoned inmates in central jails of Karnataka, India

2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veera Reddy ◽  
Chadlavda Venkanta Kondareddy ◽  
Sunitha Siddanna ◽  
Murya Manjunath
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Treatment Needs

scholarly journals Oral health status and treatment needs of school going children in a tribal area in Southern India

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Thomas ◽  
R Chacko ◽  
G D Khanapur ◽  
D Kattula ◽  
A Rose
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
World Health ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Local Hospital

Abstract Background Children suffer a significant burden of oral diseases which impacts their quality of life, and general health. Many epidemiological studies have looked at oral health status and treatment needs among children in urban and rural areas across different age groups. There was limited literature assessing the oral health status among children in tribal areas, which presents unique challenges in terms of: topography, availability of health services, and complex socio-cultural health practices. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted among 655 children across six schools between 12-15 years in Jawadhi Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. World Health Organization's, Oral Health Surveys were used for clinical and risk factor assessments. Clinical examination was conducted, and self-assessed questionnaire was administered to the children to assess the risk factors to poor oral health. Since dental fluorosis was common, drinking water samples were collected to assess fluoride levels in the community. Results Prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis (gum disease) was found to be 22.3% and 87.3% respectively. Dental Pain was reported by 57% of children as the most common reason to visit the dentist. Prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 53.6%. Multiple logistic regression showed: gender, dental fluorosis, diet, and maternal education significantly associated (p &lt; 0.005) with dental caries. Fluoride levels in water was found to be higher than permissible limits (&gt;1.5 ppm). Conclusions Children requiring treatment (∼ 200) were referred to the local hospital, and treatment was done free-of-cost. School authorities were informed about the current oral health status of children and advised to conduct regular health education & dental camps; the importance of girls' education was emphasized. Local authorities were alerted about the fluoride-rich water situation in the community and educated about defluoridation methods that the community can employ at household level. Key messages Evidence-based burden of oral diseases was presented to the local authorities for the first time, with a call for action. A referral system was established between the schools and the local hospital, to ensure continuity of oral health care for the children.

scholarly journals Color/race inequalities in oral health among Brazilian adolescents

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Luiz Bastos ◽  
José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes ◽  
Antonio Carlos Frias ◽  
Maria da Luz Rosário de Souza ◽  
Karen Glazer Peres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Gingival Bleeding ◽  
Untreated Dental Caries ◽  
Oral Health Outcomes

This study assessed oral health outcomes (perceived dental treatment need, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, and pain in teeth and gums), in relation to color/race inequalities among adolescents in each Brazilian region. The database included dental examination and interview of 16,833 15-19-year-old adolescents, surveyed by the Brazilian health authority, from May 2002 to October 2003, in accordance with international diagnostic criteria standardized by the World Health Organization. Prevalence ratios estimated by Poisson regression, and controlled by socioeconomic status and access to fluoridated piped water, assessed oral health differentials among color/race groups and country's regions. Except for periodontal pockets, prevalence figures were higher in the North and Northeast: perceived dental treatment needs, untreated dental caries, gingival bleeding at probing and pain in teeth and gums varied between 80-83%, 75-76%, 38-43%, and 17-18%, respectively, in these regions. Adolescents living in the Southeast - the richest Brazilian region - presented a better general profile of oral health than their counterparts living in the remaining regions; they had a lower prevalence of untreated dental caries (54%) and unfavorable gingival status (29%). However, the Southeast presented color/race inequalities in all oral health outcomes, with a poorer profile systematically affecting browns or blacks, depending on the oral health condition under consideration. These results reinforce the need for expanding the amplitude of health initiatives aimed at adolescent oral health. Socially appropriate health programs should concurrently aim at the reduction of levels of oral disease and its inequalities.

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