Prevalence of Oral Diseases in Pediatric Population in Karachi, Pakistan-A Cross-Sectional Survey

Summary Background/Aim: Myths related to oral diseases and oral health-related practices are very common among the population. Inadequate knowledge along with the persisting myths regarding the etiology, course and outcome of oral diseases makes it difficult to initiate health behavioural changes. Present study scrutinizes various myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among the outpatients. The aim of this study was to assess myths and misconceptions about oral health and imparting education regarding the same. Material and Methods: The calculated sample size was 200. A pre –tested closed ended questionnaire was prepared in both English and local language (Kannada). It comprised of four sections with 24 questions. The Content validity index value of 0.9 suggested a good validity. A Chi square test was applied and significance level was fixed at p< 0.05. Results: We had 100% response rate. In our study half of the participants visited dental hospital for the very first time (57.5%). About 45.2% of subjects believed 3rd molar eruption is the sign of intelligence, while 64.8% had a notion that all dental procedures are painful. Conclusions: Myths and misconceptions related to oral health are still prevalent among the population. However, small steps like compulsory education about oral health in the school curriculum, available and affordable oral care also effective use of mass media could be the steps to reduce oral health burden to the society.

Download Full-text

Vancomycin Dosing and Monitoring in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: Results of a National Practice Survey

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics ◽

10.5863/1551-6776-22.6.406 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 406-411 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rebecca S. Pettit ◽

Stacy J. Peters ◽

Erin J. McDade ◽

Kaci Kreilein ◽

Radha Patel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Trough Concentration ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Monitoring Strategy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Monitoring Strategies ◽

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ◽

Initial Starting

OBJECTIVES Vancomycin is commonly used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to treat acute pulmonary exacerbations, but few guidelines exist to help dose and monitor patients. The objective of this study was to assess vancomycin use and monitoring strategies at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)–accredited centers in hopes of developing and implementing vancomycin dosing and monitoring standards. METHODS An anonymous national cross-sectional survey of pharmacists affiliated with CFF-accredited pediatric and/or adult centers was performed by using Surveymonkey.com. The survey consisted of 3 sections: (1) CF Center Demographic Information (10 questions); 2) vancomycin use in pediatric CF patients (31 questions); and 3) vancomycin use in adult CF patients (29 questions); it was administered from March 9, 2015, to April 13, 2015. RESULTS The survey was completed by 31/69 (45%) pharmacists and 28 (90.3%) reported using vancomycin in the pediatric population. The most common initial starting dose for pediatric patients was 15 mg/kg/dose (57.1%) and every 6 hours was the most common dosing frequency (67.9%). The most common monitoring strategy was collection of a trough concentration (92.9%) with 57.7% of pharmacist targeting a range of 15 to 20 mg/L. The most common initial starting vancomycin dose in adults with CF was 15 mg/kg/dose (61.5%), and initial frequency of every 8 hours (73.1%). The most common monitoring strategy was a trough concentration (96.2%) with 83.3% of pharmacists reporting a goal trough range of 15 to 20 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS The most common vancomycin dosing reported was 15 to 20 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours (pediatric) and 15 to 20 mg/kg/dose every 8 to 12 hours (adults). Serum concentrations measured to meet monitoring parameters of trough concentrations of 15 to 20 mg/L, or area under the curve to minimum inhibitory concentration ratio > 400, were the same in both pediatric and adult patients.

Download Full-text

Understanding of and Barriers to Electronic Health Record Patient Portal Access in a Culturally Diverse Pediatric Population (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11570 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel J Miklin ◽

Sameera S Vangara ◽

Alan M Delamater ◽

Kenneth W Goodman

Keyword(s):

Culturally Diverse ◽

Parental Education ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Patient Portal ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Adult Care ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Parental Education Level ◽

Doctor Patient Communication ◽

Electronic Health

BACKGROUND Electronic health records (EHRs) have become a standard in the health care setting. In an effort to improve health literacy, foster doctor-patient communication, and ease the transition from adolescent to adult care, our institution created a policy that allows patients aged between 13 and 17 years to have EHR portal access. A literature review revealed predictable differences in portal registration among different ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses. Consequently, a cross-sectional survey was developed to investigate barriers to EHR portal access in a sample of culturally diverse adolescents. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess for barriers to EHR portal access in a culturally diverse adolescent population. METHODS A 42-item anonymous survey was completed by 97 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years, attending general pediatrics clinics. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests. RESULTS The average participant age was 15.5 (SD 1.5) years with 60% (58/97) male and 40% (39/97) female. Participants were 44% (43/97) black, 41% (40/97) Hispanic, 9% (9/97) Caucasian, 3% (3/97) Asian, and 2% (2/97) others. There were statistically significant differences in perceptions of confidentiality in age (13 to 15 years vs 16 to 18 years; P=.001) and insurance status (government vs private; P=.012) but not in gender, ethnicity, or parental education level. Younger adolescents with governmental insurance were more confident in the level of confidentiality with their physician. A total of 94% of participants had heard of the term EHR, but only 55% were familiar with its function. Furthermore, 77% of patients primarily accessed the internet through phones, and 50% of participants knew that patients aged under 18 years could obtain care for mental health, substance abuse, sexual health, and pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This research has identified gaps in EHR technology with regard to the pediatric patient population. The results of our survey show that adolescents may have misconceptions regarding the doctor-patient relationship, their ability to obtain care, and the modalities present in an EHR. As technology progresses, it is essential to have a deeper understanding of adolescents’ perceptions of confidentiality, technology, and available resources to design an EHR system that encourages patient education and communication while limiting barriers to care.

Download Full-text

Awareness on Nanoparticles Incorporation in Dental Materials among Undergraduate Students - A Cross Sectional Survey

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2020/v32i1630650 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 63-74

Author(s):

Aarthi Muthukumar ◽

Revathi Duraisamy ◽

Dhanraj Ganapathy

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Dental Materials ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Dental Students ◽

Titanium Implants ◽

P Value ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional

Nanotechnology is widely used in day to day life including its use in medicine. Using nanotechnology it is easy to analyse the atoms , chemical bonds and molecules present between various compounds. Use of nanoparticles in the field of dentistry is called nano dentistry. Chemical, physical and biological aspects of nanoparticles should be taken into account while choosing nanoparticles for the use in the field of nano dentistry. Nanoparticles are used in innovations of dentistry. Nano materials can be used for preventing and curing oral diseases such as oral cancer and to maintain oral health care. This study aims at evaluating knowledge and awareness of nanoparticles incorporated in dental materials among undergraduate dental students. A questionnaire with a set of 9 questions to assess the students knowledge and awareness about nanoparticles incorporation in dental materials. The sample size of 99 participants of dental students of Saveetha Dental College were selected by a simple random sampling method. The participants were asked to fill the questionnaire in an online site called survey planet. The results were collected and statistically analysed. Chi square test was done and it was found that 71% of the participants were aware about the use of nanoparticles in dental materials, even though it is statistically not significant (p value- 0.436), 73% of respondents were aware about nanoparticle incorporation in impression materials with p value 0.449 (not significant) and 72% were aware about use of nanomaterials in titanium implants(p value-0.340). Within the limitations of the study, it can be observed that the undergraduate students at the Faculty of Dentistry of Saveetha were well aware about the use of nanoparticles in dental materials.

Download Full-text

Nature of Crime, Duration of Stay, Parafunctional Habits and Periodontal Status in Prisoners

Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry ◽

10.5005/johcd-6-3-131 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 131-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Priyanka Singh ◽

Sabyasachi Saha ◽

Sanjay Kumar Singh ◽

G.V. Jagannath

Keyword(s):

General Health ◽

Oral Care ◽

Hard Core ◽

Health It ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Duration Of Stay ◽

The Mean ◽

Age Range

ABSTRACT Objectives Oral health is an integral part of general health. It has long been recognized that preventive oral care is important in the prevention of oral diseases, which also has significant impact on general health. Methods This is a cross sectional survey, with a sample size of 1011 (826 males and 185 females) prisoners. Results Inmates belong to the age range of 18-80 years, with the mean age of 37.3±11.8 years. Overall about (25%) inmates had Para functional habits. Most common Para functional habit (22.6%) was bruxism‥ In hard core criminals Para functional habits (bruxism) was (18.1%) significantly higher (p<0.001) than in pity offenders (4.5%). Conclusion It can be concluded that nature of crime and duration of stay in prison was significantly associated with the development of parafunctional habits and also with worsened periodontal condition.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Gingivitis, Plaque accumulation and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth among slum population in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin ◽

10.3329/bmrcb.v40i2.25182 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 47-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

MA Hannan ◽

MTH Chowdhury ◽

MAI Khan ◽

AFMA Chowdhury ◽

KM Shahidullah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Plaque Index ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population ◽

Slum Dwellers ◽

Wide Range ◽

Slum Population

A cross-sectional survey, using cluster sampling technique, of slum population, was done to explore the oral health status and the prevalence of common oral diseases. A close ended questionnaire comprising Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, Gingival Index (Löe and Silness) and Plaque Index was applied to evaluate and record oral diseases, in both male and female population, covering a wide range of age groups. Clinical examination was carried out in different slum set ups, including slum schools by trained and calibrated examiners. Three thousand nine hundred and four (3904) slum dwellers participated in the survey. Prevalence of Caries was expressed in mean DMFT, recording of gingival status followed the method of Löe and Silness, oral hygiene status was evaluated using Plaque index. Mean decayed component, of the DMFT, was significantly higher than filling and missing component. Both decayed and missing components showed increasing trend, and filling components decreased as the age progressed. Prevalence of gingivitis and plaque accumulation was remarkably high among slum dwellers. Significantly high level of common oral diseases was found among Tongi slum dwellers.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 47-51

Download Full-text

Depression, periodontitis, caries and missing teeth in the USA, NHANES 2009–2014

Family Medicine and Community Health ◽

10.1136/fmch-2020-000583 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. e000583

Author(s):

Muath Aldosari ◽

Mohammad Helmi ◽

Erinne N Kennedy ◽

Riddhi Badamia ◽

Satomi Odani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Periodontal Diseases ◽

Health Providers ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Missing Teeth ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Untreated Dental Caries

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported depressive symptoms and oral diseases in US adults, including periodontitis, caries, missing teeth and untreated dental caries.DesignThis study was designed as a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey. We conducted descriptive, multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analyses on weighted data.SettingUS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014 data.ParticipantsIndividuals aged ≥30 years who completed a periodontal examination and depression screening (n=9799).Results21.6% (28.9 million) of adults aged ≥30 years reported depressive symptoms, with a higher prevalence among females, current smokers and participants with lower income and education status. More than half of the adults with moderate depressive symptoms had periodontal diseases, and more than one-third had teeth with untreated dental caries. After adjusting for sociodemographics, behavioural factors, having diabetes and psychotherapeutic medication use, depressive symptoms were associated with poorer oral health. Severe depressive symptoms were associated with higher odds of mild periodontitis (2.20; 99% CI 1.03 to 4.66). For those with mild depressive symptoms, the mean number of missing teeth was 1.20 (99% CI 1.06 to 1.37) times the average of non-symptomatic individuals; and 1.38 times (99% CI 1.15 to 1.66) among individuals with moderate depressive symptoms.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms were associated with mild periodontitis and a greater number of missing teeth, while having teeth with untreated dental caries was attributed to sociodemographic factors. Awareness of oral health status among patients with depressive symptoms can inform both dental and mental health providers to develop tailored treatment and help patients achieve overall wellness.

Download Full-text

Oral health assessment of urban and rural dwellers in Bafia-Cameroon

World Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.53346/wjbpr.2021.1.2.0121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 017-028

Author(s):

Nguendo-Yongsi H. Blaise

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Oral Health ◽

Oral Hygiene ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Dwellers

Background: The public health problems associated with oral health are a serious burden on countries around the world. Those problems are acute in developing countries which are hit by non-communicable chronic diseases, including oral diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the oral health of individuals from both urban and rural areas in Bafia, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A commnunity and descriptive cross-sectional survey with probability sampling was used in this study. 2,840 individuals, aged 5 years and older, were selected, using a two-staged simple random sampling technique. The study was based on a structured questionnaire completed by the participants, and on a clinical examination performed by the dentists. Statistical methods included bivariate analyses. Results: Among the 2,759 participants who successfully completed the survey, 53.4% were males and 46.6% were females. Majority of the participants i.e., 52.4 % belonged to 17 years and more vs 47.6 % who belonged to 05-17 years age group. Of the total individuals examined, 50.4% had a poor oral health level, of which 42.9% urban dwellers and 57% rural dwellers. Conclusion: There is a significant need for increased public awareness and regular surveillance of oral hygiene practices, as well as the complications associated with poor oral hygiene. In addition, development of guidelines, public health awareness programmess and dental community educational programmes are urgently needed.

Download Full-text

The Role of the Pediatricians in Dental Caries Prevention in Montenegro-the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice

Balkan Journal of Dental Medicine ◽

10.2478/bjdm-2020-0005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 29-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ljiljana Golubović ◽

Mediha Selimović-Dragaš ◽

Sedin Kobašlija ◽

Amina Huseinbegović

Keyword(s):

Dental Caries ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Community Health Services ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Health ◽

Common Chronic Disease ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

SummaryBackground/Aim: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting children worldwide today and represents a serious public health problem. Since pediatricians are the first health professionals whom children visit, they can be considered as a reliable source of information regarding the recognition of potential health problems and suggesting their solution, so they have a key role in primary health prevention. The aim of this study is to determine the position of pediatricians in the prevention of oral health of children in Montenegro through the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and practice of primary professional preventive measures.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the 84 pediatricians employed in Montenegro Community health services. Self-addressed reply envelope survey consisted questionnaire of 60 questions divided into 5 modules, was used as an instrument for the research.Results: Response rate was 86%, while 68,3% pediatricians think that gender is a risk factor for dental caries. Fact that cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from the mother was confirmed by 69% of respondents. Only 45% of them practice the current guidelines on the recommendation of the first dental examination up to 12 months of life.Conclusions: It can be concluded that pediatricians in Montenegro have positive attitudes about prevention and believe they have the responsibility to prevent caries but have shown insufficient knowledge about caries and risk factors for the oral diseases.

Download Full-text

Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 82-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bob Lew ◽

Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽

Yanzheng Liu ◽

Mansor Abu Talib ◽

Olga Mitina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Strain Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Strains ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conﬂicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

Download Full-text