scholarly journals Examining dentists' attitudes about ethical principles in everyday practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (82) ◽  
pp. 2067-2078
Author(s):  
Katarina Šljivić ◽  
Maja Nikolić ◽  
Nebojša Krunić

Introduction: Patient care, knowledge of medical law and compliance with the law contribute to more efficient dealing with the ethical dilemmas often faced by today's dentists. Moreover, when it comes to determining 'the best' dental treatment, patients also play a certain role. The aim of the research was to examine the attitudes of Serbian dentists related to ethical dilemmas in everyday practice, so as to determine the factors that affect solving the dilemmas. Materials and methods: The paper was carried out as a cross-sectional study. The research included 88 respondents, 42 final year dentistry students at the Faculty of Medicine in Niš and the Faculty of Dentistry in Belgrade and 46 dentists from both private and state practice. The first part of the questionnaire included socio-demographic information on the respondents, and the second part consisted of 7 closed-ended questions about particular ethical dilemmas. Statistical analysis was done using Excel from Microsoft Office and SPSS, version 18.0. Results: There were no significant differences regarding the students and dentists' answers about individual ethical aspects, except for the domain of question 2b, whether the oral surgeon should have extracted both teeth on the patient's request, although the patient had a heart disease. A statistically significant difference was found (ch 2 =18,834, p<0,0001) regarding the dentists' answers in comparison with the students' answers. Conclusion: The knowledge about ethical principles of the majority of the respondents was satisfying. A smaller proportion of the respondents were not sufficiently aware of the importance of applying ethical principles in dental practice. Consequently, it is necessary to promote education programs about medical ethics for dentists and dentistry students.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-31
Author(s):  
Sumita Upadhyay ◽  
Neeta Ghimire

Objective: To determine the various types of maxillary labial frenum attachment in Nepalese children. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a total of 198 children of age ranging from 1 to 14 years who visited Dental Department of Dhulikhel hospital for routine dental treatment. Types of maxillary labial frenum attachment was recorded along with age and gender. Children were divided into two groups; age 1-7 and 8-14 years. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the frequency of frenum types. The relation of frenum with gender and frenum types between two groups were calculated using chi square test. Results: The most common type was gingival attachment {61.1%) and the least common was papillary penetrating type of frenum attachment {8.1%). There was no significant difference in the frenum attachment between the two genders. Mucosal and gingival attachment was significantly higher in older age group whereas papillary and papillary penetrating was higher in younger age group. Conclusion: Attachment of frenum in children changes according to age.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1021-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
UB Rajasekaran ◽  
Madhavi Singh ◽  
Manish Goutam ◽  
Ashish Bhalla ◽  
Nikhil Grover ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Children with high dental fear and perception usually encounter high prevalence of dental caries. Data showed that individuals with dental fear will probably defer dental appointments which may result in the formation of a setup of an endless loop of dental fear. Present study was aimed to assess different psychosocial parameters among pediatric patients visiting dental clinics. Materials and methods In the present cross-sectional study, the data of 200 schoolchildren were collected and analyzed by means of a questionnaire. Evaluation of the oral health status was done by experienced pedodontists. All the answers were recorded and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results Nearly 120 were regular attendees while remaining 80 were found to be irregular attendees. Significant difference was observed while comparing the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, decayed teeth, dental fear, cognitive vulnerability, and dental prevention belief between the regular and irregular group. Significant correlation was observed between higher number of decayed teeth and increasing level of dental fear. Conclusion Various psychosocial parameters, by affecting the dental visits, are associated with outcome of oral health measures. Clinical significance Special attention should be paid to the pediatric patients with such kind of behavior so that their psychosocial attitude could be modified in favor of dental treatment. How to cite this article Bhalla A, Rajasekaran UB, Singh M, Goutam M, Grover N, Galav A. A Cross-sectional Study to assess the Perception of Psychosocial Elements among Pediatric Patients visiting Dental Clinics. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(11):1021-1024.


Author(s):  
Shaima Bahammam ◽  
Chia-Yu Chen ◽  
Yoshiki Ishida ◽  
Akito Hayashi ◽  
Yutaka Ikeda ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the oral hygiene behaviors in the general population and identify factors affecting oral hygiene behaviors and plaque removal efficacy. A survey was distributed to patients through 11 dental practices in Japan, and each patient’s plaque index score (PIS) was recorded. In total, 1184 patients participated (521 women and 660 men), with 84.04% using manual toothbrushes (MTBs) and 15.96% using electric toothbrushes (ETBs). ETB users had a significantly lower PIS compared to MTB users (p = 0.0017). In addition, a statistically significant difference in the PIS was detected in relation to the frequency of brushing per day (≥2 times) and time spent on brushing (≥1 min). Some MTB users spent less than 1 min brushing, while all ETB users spent at least 1 min brushing, and extended brushing periods significantly improved the PIS for the MTB users. MTB users tend to replace brush heads more frequently than ETB users, and the frequency of replacement affected the PIS significantly (p < 0.01) for the MTB users. The status of dental treatment (first visit, in treatment versus recall) also significantly affected the PIS (p < 0.01). The ETB was more effective than the MTB in terms of better plaque removal and reduced frequency of brush head replacement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 2016-2026
Author(s):  
Tamara R. Almeida ◽  
Clayton H. Rocha ◽  
Camila M. Rabelo ◽  
Raquel F. Gomes ◽  
Ivone F. Neves-Lobo ◽  
...  

Purpose The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted ( M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435


Author(s):  
Bhagavathami Meenaksh ◽  
Chitraa R. Chandran ◽  
Aravindhan Thathchari Ranganathan ◽  
Kavindapadi Venkateswaran Rama ◽  
Valarmathy Srinivasan

Background: This study aims to determine and compare the levels of trace elements copper, zinc, selenium and chromium in GCF and serum of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals. Methods: This cross sectional study includes 24 study subjects recruited from the patients reporting to the Department of Periodontics , Tagore Dental College Chennai. All the selected patients were subjected to a clinical examination done by a single examiner. The estimation of trace elements Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Chromium in GCF and serum is performed using Perkin Elmer optima 5300 Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICPOES). Results: GCF and serum copper levels showed no significant difference in both periodontitis and healthy groups . Selenium levels tend to be the same in both groups. Serum zinc levels are more in periodontitis patients than healthy subjects (p less than 0.01). GCF chromium levels are found to be more in patients with periodontitis than healthy. Conclusions : More research is therefore needed to monitor the role of these trace elements C with an increased sample size to ascertain whether they are associated with a reduced risk of periodontitis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arefeh Shahi

Background: Postpartum depression with a different incidence of 40- 45% in different societies, which it has adverse effects on the health of mothers and their child, given the negative effects of maternal depression and its harmful effects on the baby and the quality of family life. So, this study was performed with the aim to determine postpartum depression and its associated factors in Bandar Abbas city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 after obtaining consent from mothers by the census. A total of 343 mothers was examined for depression who referred to Bandar Abbas health centers in the 2nd and 4th months after childbirth. The data collection tools included demographic information and Postpartum Depression Edinburgh questionnaires. Finally, the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22.0) software and data were analyzed using the Independent t-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.Result: Totally, 68 (19.8%) of samples were in the second month and 54 (15.7%) in the fourth month after delivery had postpartum depression. The incidence of depression in the four months was 6.6%. There was a significant difference between depression and income, parental education, father’s use of cigarette and abnormalities of the infant (P <0.001). There was no significant difference between other factors such as gestational age, infant sex, birth weight, unwanted pregnancy, and type of delivery. Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of this disorder, it seems that postpartum depression screening planning should be considered during child routine care as an essential component, especially for vulnerable groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1198-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yenny ◽  
Sonar S. Panigoro ◽  
Denni J. Purwanto ◽  
Adi Hidayat ◽  
Melva Louisa ◽  
...  

Background: Tamoxifen (TAM) is a frequently used hormonal prodrug for patients with breast cancer that needs to be activated by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) into Zusammen-endoxifen (Z-END). Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotype and attainment of the plasma steady-state Z-END minimal threshold concentration (MTC) in Indonesian women with breast cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 125 ambulatory patients with breast cancer consuming TAM at 20 mg/day for at least 4 months. The frequency distribution of CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotypes (C/C: wild type; C/T: heterozygous mutant; T/T: homozygous mutant) was detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), the results of which were subsequently confirmed by sequencing. The genotypes were categorized into plasma Z- END concentrations of <5.9 ng/mL and ≥5.9 ng/mL, which were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results: Percentages of C/C, CT, and T/T genotypes were 22.4%, 29.6%, and 48.8%, respectively. Median (25-75%) Z-END concentrations in C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes were 9.58 (0.7-6.0), 9.86 (0.7-26.6), and 3.76 (0.9-26.6) ng/mL, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in median Z-END concentration between patients with T/T genotype and those with C/C or C/T genotypes (p<0.001). There was a significant association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotypes and attainment of plasma steady-state Z-END MTC (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) and attainment of plasma steady-state Z-END MTC in Indonesian breast cancer patients receiving TAM at a dose of 20 mg/day.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110255
Author(s):  
Chao-Ying Tu ◽  
Wei-Shih Liu ◽  
Yen-Fu Chen ◽  
Wei-Lieh Huang

Background: Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is common in medical settings but has been underdiagnosed. Stigma related to psychiatric illness was one of the barriers to making the diagnosis. More and more SSD patients who visited psychiatric clinics with physical complaints identify themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ in Taiwan. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’. Method: We assessed the sociodemographic profile, medical/psychiatric diagnoses, subjective psychiatric diagnoses, perceived psychiatric stigma, help-seeking attitude, and healthcare utilization of 122 participants with SSD. Participants who identified themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ ( n = 84) were compared to those who did not (n=38). Results: Participants with a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’ were younger and had a higher education level than those who did not have such a subjective diagnosis. They also had higher scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ), whereas comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were similar in the two groups. Participants with and without a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’ did not have a significant difference in perceived psychiatric stigma and help-seeking attitude/behaviors. In a multiple logistic regression model, only age was associated with having a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’. Conclusion: Among SSD patients, those who identify themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ tend to have higher somatic distress and health anxiety than those who do not. ‘Autonomic dysregulation’ is not associated with perceived psychiatric stigma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Ni ◽  
Hengan Liu ◽  
Ruijie Gong ◽  
Mei Shi ◽  
Shuxian Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sexual compulsivity (SC) and its relationship with unprotected intercourse (UI) have long been an intriguing topic, but its existential meaning in the management of public health or, more precisely, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has rarely been studied to date. This study examines whether SC plays a role in UI among sexually active STI patients. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in two sexual transmitted disease (STD) clinicals of Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital in Shanghai. Totally 664 sexually active STI patients were included. Results The ages of the 664 participants ranged from 18 to 76 years, with 58.73% between 26 and 40 years old. 449 (191 male and 258 female) reported had UI during the past 6 months. Although the only statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was in relation to UI with a casual sexual partner, the difference between male/female and regular/casual sexual partners remained evident. Conclusions SC is evidently a potential predictor of UI with a casual sexual partner in male STI patients, while the use of condoms is more likely to be affected by other factors. In addition to general sexual education, counseling interventions should be provided by health institutions, and specific intervention methods targeting gender and sexual partners should be considered.


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