scholarly journals Awareness of the Relationship between Systemic and Periodontal Diseases among Physicians and Dentists in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 288-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Al Sharrad ◽  
Khalid N. Said ◽  
Fathima F. Farook ◽  
Sami Shafik ◽  
Khallaf Al-Shammari

Background: Previous studies have shown possible association between periodontal diseases and Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (APO). Increasing the knowledge of physicians and dentists regarding the association between periodontal disease and systemic diseases should improve their ability to provide a high standard of treatment for the disease and prevent its consequences. In our study, we sought to identify knowledge gaps in the awareness of the relationship between systemic and periodontal diseases among dentists and physicians from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with a convenient sample of selected physicians and dentists in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait using a self-developed structured questionnaire. Physicians’ and dentists’ awareness were assessed regarding current evidence of the relationship between systemic diseases and conditions (DM, CVD, APO) and periodontal diseases. Results: A total of 134 (21.5%) of the identified physicians and 485 (78%) of the identified dentists participated in this study. More than half of the participants (52.1% physicians and 67.5% dentists) agreed that there is a relationship between periodontal diseases and DM, CVD and APO. Dentists had a statistically higher level of awareness compared with the physicians. The findings related to the awareness of the dentist sub groups highlighted that periodontists were significantly more likely to have a good level of knowledge. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that the awareness of physicians and dentists regarding the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases (DM, CVD, APO) is generally low, Therefore, improved collaboration between medical and dental health providers is recommended.

Author(s):  
Vaibhav Sharma ◽  
Ruchi Saxena ◽  
Priyanka Gaur

Background: Fetal age actually begins at conception and an equivalent term is conceptional age. Uncertain gestational age (GA) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of maternal characteristics. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal foot length (FFL) in estimation of gestational age.Methods: It was a cross sectional study. Trans abdominal ultrasound on 150 pregnant women with normal singleton pregnancies between 16 to 40 weeks was done to measure FFL. The relationship between GA and FFL was analysed by simple linear regression.Results: A linear relationship was demonstrated between FFL and GA. (GA (in weeks)=7.490+0.393×FFL (in mm)) with significant correlation (r=0.985, p<0.001).Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement of FFL is a reliable indicator of gestational age and can be a useful alternative to estimate GA when other routine biometric parameters are not conclusive.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Kuddus ◽  
Hadi Abdulaziz Aldarwish ◽  
Ali Ahmed Al Tufaif ◽  
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tufaif ◽  
Ali Howaidi Alharbi

Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that develops when the contents of the stomach reflux into the esophagus due to large hiatal hernia or lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. The common symptoms of the disease include heartburn and regurgitation. It takes place mainly among youngers, females, and obese people. The aims of the study include GERD prevalence among Hail population and the related risk factors. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Between July to December 2020. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted with 704 subjects aged more than 15 years, through self-administered questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. The questionnaire included demographic data, GERD clinical symptoms, and individual behaviour. Statistical data analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 704 subjects, nearly half of the participants were males (51.7%). GERD was found in 408 (58%) participants among them 276 (39.2%) had mild symptoms, 9.9%, had moderate symptoms and 62 (8.8%) had severe condition. Most significant predictors of GERD (P <0.05) were Females with chronic health problems, anxiety, and having Spicy food. The participants with sports activity had less risk to develop GERD. Conclusion: The results showed high prevalence of GERD among Hail population with many significant predictors. Public health providers should increase awareness about GERD and its significant effects on community.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document