scholarly journals Practices, Attitude & Perceived Barriers of Dental Students in Substance Use Screening & Interventions in Dental Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s):  
Shree Goyal ◽  
Ritu Gupta ◽  
Ipseeta Menon ◽  
Dipshikha Das ◽  
Lavanya Rohatgi

Context: Tobacco, the leading preventable cause of death including alcohol and illicit drug abuse, cause morbidity and mortality. Dentists deal with such patients & can/ should intervene, preventing any deleterious habits with apt knowledge and training. Aims: The study assesses the knowledge, attitude and practices amongst dental students to manage patients with tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse in a clinical set up. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire (self-administered 22 items) survey was conducted among 300 dental students (Undergraduates, Interns, Postgraduates) in a dental college, North India to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding substance abuse- tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and subjected to Chi-square test to determine the significant difference between the dental study groups (p≤ 0.05) Results: There were 37.1% males and 62.9% of females. Final years (33.8%), interns (29.8%) and Post graduates (36.5%) completed the questionnaire. 85.5% Postgraduates, 74.3% final years and 71.9% interns knew where to refer the patients of substance abuse which was statistically significant (p≤ 0.05).A majority (91.1%) of interns prescribe or provide tobacco cessation, followed by 87.1% final years and 78.2% post graduates that were significant values. Conclusions: Although there’s huge awareness on the management of patients with substance abuse habits, only a few practice it on patients correctly. Lack of training and its application due to many barriers have been discussed in detail pointing out the disparity in the number of patients with habit history being screened and to those being managed.

2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 221-225
Author(s):  
Beenish Fatima Alam ◽  
Hira Raza ◽  
Shizma junejo ◽  
Marium Azfar ◽  
Tuba Saleem ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the differences of self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among the medical and dental undergraduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted over duration of 9 months amongst the medical and dental undergraduate students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. The questionnaires were distributed to 298 students. Questionnaire employed for this study was adopted and modified from the study conducted by Khalid Almas et al. Descriptive statistics were checked by means of percentages and frequency for all variables. Chi-square test was applied to check significant difference among the responses given by the medical and dental undergraduate students. Results: The response rate for the survey was about 85%. 55% of dental and 17 % of medical students were able to smell their breath. About having examination by dentist about 73% of medical students agreed as compared to 53% of dental students. Both medical and dental students preferred having examination done by the dentist. For management of halitosis, dentist was preferred by 62% of the dental students, while 97% of the medical students did not agree. 62% of the dental students preferred using traditional medications, while 82% of the medical students preferred using self-medications for treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is not a high level of agreement among dental and medical students concerning the detection and management of halitosis. Although large percent of the respondents claimed to be aware of dentistry, our findings revealed low level of knowledge and attitude to Dentistry by the medical undergraduate students. Efforts should be made towards closing this knowledge gap to attain effective oral health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-207
Author(s):  
Shagufta Sohail ◽  
Kaneez Fatima ◽  
Noshina Riaz

Background: Breast feeding prevents infections in infants. Those who are partially or never breast-fed and receiving bottle feeds are at higher risk of infections as compared to exclusive breast-fed infants. The objectives of this study were to record the effect of exclusive breast feeding versus partial and never breast feeding on infections in infants and also to find an association of infection with type of feed, gestation and vaccination status in infants till six months of age.Material and Methods: A total of 500 Infants were included in this cross-sectional study. Information regarding pattern of feeding and infections was obtained by verbal interview of mother and the questionnaire was filled by the study physician. The outcome evaluated was infections in infants till one year of age. Categorical comparisons were made using chi square test. A ‘p’ value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 500 infants, 59.4% were males. About 59.6% were exclusively breast-fed till 6 months of age, 31.2% were partially breast-fed and 9.2% were never breast-fed. In exclusively breast-fed group, 29.5% infants reported infections as compared to 40.4% in partial breast-fed group and 65.2% in never breast-fed infants (P < 0.000). Similarly, 40.6% of infants in exclusively breast-fed group, 55.1% in partial breast feed and 58.7% in the never breast-fed reported infections in 4-6 months of age, which was statistically significant (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in infection rates among the three study groups in 7-9 (P=0.192) and 10 -12 months (P=0.42) of age.Conclusions: Exclusive breast feeding till six months of age significantly reduces the risk of infections in infancy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-54
Author(s):  
Ervina Sofyanti ◽  
Mirna Rory Yohanita Tambunan ◽  
Trelia Boel ◽  
Darmayanti Siregar ◽  
Aditya Rachmawati

The examination of static and dynamic occlusal relationship are important in orthodontic diagnosis. Thus, this study aims to analysis the difference of occlusal cant and favored chewing side. This is cross-sectional study of 70 healthy dental students Universitas Sumatera Utara with complete dentition and have no orthodontics treatment history. The position of tongue spatula across on occlusal of both first bicuspids to assess the existence and degree of the canting occlusal based on extra-oral photograph. The occlusal cant positive if it coincided to inter pupil as transversal references and sectioned with facial midline as a vertical reference more than 3º. A modified direct method- visual observation was done to assess the favored chewing side. A chi-square test with p level 0.05 in evaluation of the null hypothesis that states there was a difference of occlusal cant and favored chewing side in those subjects. From 36 subjects with cant occlusal positive, there were 26 subjects with and 10 subjects without favored chewing side. Then, from 34 subjects with cant occlusal negative, there were 14 subjects with and 20 subjects without favored chewing side. There was a significant difference (p=0.017) between occlusal cant and favored chewing side. Subjects with complete teeth showed that favored chewing side tendency of 3,714 more often had an occlusal cant positive compared to favored chewing side negative. In conclusion, the significant difference of occlusal cant and favored chewing side in subjects with complete dentition can be considered as a preliminary study in order to understand the complexity of development of mandibular asymmetry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 110-117
Author(s):  
Kanika Khubchandani ◽  
Kaviya Devi M ◽  
Subhathraa Gunasekaran ◽  
Sravan Kumar Yeturu ◽  
Venkitachalam Ramanarayanan

Objectives: The health-care sector generates enormous amount of biomedical waste (BMW) and dental waste forms a subset of this hazardous waste. It is, therefore, imperative for the upcoming dental health professionals to be aware of the hazards related to improper waste management and the existing rules and regulations for the same. To gauge the gaps in knowledge and find ways to rectify the same, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of biomedical waste management among dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a dental teaching hospital, wherein a pre-validated and tested, structured closed-ended questionnaire was adopted and given to the clinical students of dentistry. The responses were self-recorded by the participants after which statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test to compare the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice among the study groups. Results: Out of 168 participants, 97% agreed that waste needs to be segregated but 70% were unaware of the legislations regarding BMW management. About half of the participants across all groups gave incorrect responses regarding correct disposal of various types of wastes. Only 10.1% of students correctly disposed mercury. Among the study groups, postgraduate students fared better than house surgeons and students. More than 90% of students believed that they required additional training in BMW management. Conclusion: An overall positive attitude was seen among all students toward safe management of BMW. However, their knowledge and practice toward the same calls for attention on the part of educational institutions in providing continuous educational programs and monitoring the correct disposal of wastes. This was validated by the fact that increase in educational qualification showed better performance toward this subject.


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):  
Saurav Kumar ◽  
Shiv Prakash ◽  
Mona Srivastava

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the attitude of the school and college-going students towards online classes. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 228 school and college-going students fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria selected through purposive sampling methods. A semi-structured online questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic questionnaire and Attitude towards online classes (ATOC) questionnaire was prepared by the researcher using Google form. The link of the questionnaire was sent to all the selected respondents through WhatsApp messages and emails. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The reliability of the attitude questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha test. The association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square tests. The comparison between variables was assessed using the students independent t-test.Results: More than half of the respondents (51.32%) were found with a positive attitude towards online classes. There was a significant association found between attitude towards online classes and socio-demographic variables such as age (p<0.05), academic level (p<0.05), and family income (p<0.01). The respondents who attended online classes (p<0.05), have technical knowledge (p<0.01), and got supported by their parents in the study (p<0.05) were found significantly high positive attitudes towards online classes. There was a significant difference found in the attitude of the respondents who faced psychological disturbances such as a decline in attention-concentration (p<0.05), irritation-anger (p<0.01), and tension (p<0.05) due to online classes.Conclusions: Although, online classes are more beneficial for the students and teachers in their academic activities during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it can’t take place of traditional face-to-face classes. 


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 73-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Thiesen ◽  
Bruno Frazão Gribel ◽  
Keila Cristina Rausch Pereira ◽  
Maria Perpetua Mota Freitas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Facial skeletal asymmetry is commonly found in humans and its main characteristic is menton deviation. The literature suggests that occlusal and masticatory problems arising from tooth absence could be related to the development of such asymmetries. Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of mandibular skeletal asymmetries and to investigate its association with posterior tooth absences. Methods: Tomographic images of 952 individuals aged from 18 to 75 years old were used. Asymmetry was the analyzed outcome, and it was categorized into three groups according to gnathion displacement in relation to the midsagittal plane (relative symmetry, moderate asymmetry, and severe asymmetry). Patients were sorted by the presence of all posterior teeth, unilateral posterior tooth absence, or bilateral posterior tooth absence. Chi-square test with a significance level of 5% was used to verify the association between posterior tooth absence and asymmetry. Results: Results show relative symmetry present in 55.3% of the sample, as well as the prevalence of 27.3% for moderate mandibular asymmetry and 17.4% for severe asymmetry. Moderate and severe mandibular asymmetries occurred in a higher proportion in patients with unilateral posterior tooth absence. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the analyzed groups (p = 0.691). Conclusions: In this study, mandibular asymmetries did not present any association with the absence of teeth on the posterior area of the arch.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Meriah Sembiring ◽  
Iskandar Iskandar ◽  
Amir Syarifuddin ◽  
Bistok Saing

The aim of this study was to determine the developmental retardation of infants of two years of age who were delivered by vacuum extraction. This cross-sectional study examined 44 infants delivered by vacuum extraction, comprising 25 males and 19 females who were born in Tembakau Deli and St. Elizabeth Hospitals, between August 1993 until February 1994. The examination included interview and physical examination in the patient's house. Chi-square statistics analysis was used with a significant level of 95% (1'=0.05). The results showed Ihat of the 44 infants delivered by vacuum extraction. 28 (32%) had had were found with mild asphyxia, while 2 infants (5%). whose mothers work as private clerk and entrepreneur, had development retardation. We concluded that there was no significant difference in development between infants delivered by vacuum extraction and those who were born spontaneously. Developmental retardation was found in infants whose mothers lack time to communicate.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Elis Janaina Lira dos Santos ◽  
Alana Moura Xavier Dantas ◽  
Raíssa Marçal Vilela ◽  
Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago de Lima ◽  
Rejane Targino Soares Beltrão

Objective: To evaluate patient perception of the smile focused on analysis of the upper incisors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry at Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil. Participants: The sample consisted of 135 individuals (73 women and 62 men). Methods: Images with different characteristics associated with the incisal edges were shown at random and analysed using a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). Results: Smile I (difference of 1.5 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) was considered the most aesthetic, while Smile III (no difference in height between the central and lateral incisors) was the least aesthetic. A significant difference was found between perception of smile II (difference of 1 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) and age groups ( P < 0.005), with 31% (n = 13) of individuals aged 45–64 years considering smile II as not pleasant, 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years and 8.3% (n=4) aged 25–44 years and 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years considering the same. A significant difference was also found in relation to educational background of the assessor and smile perception, with smile III ( P = 0.0441) and smile IV ( P = 0.0053) considered the most aesthetic ( P = 0.0116). Conclusion: The smile considered most attractive among the sample was that with 1.5 mm steepness between the central and lateral incisors, while a flat smile arc was considered least attractive.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 436-440
Author(s):  
Paulo Rodrigo Pedroso da Silva ◽  
Geraldo Albuquerque Maranhao Neto ◽  
Vandré Casagrande Figueiredo ◽  
Ana Maria Pujol Vieira dos Santos ◽  
Maria Helena Vianna Metello Jacob ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction: Doping control is an important means for preventing the use of illegal substances and methods in sports. Objective: This study investigated the self-reported use of illegal substances among young Brazilian students in the Youth School Games, the main sporting event among school-aged athletes in Brazil with almost 2 million students during all the phases. Methods: Cross-sectional study with athletes of the Youth School Games 2006 aged 14-17 years. The subjects were randomly selected and completed an anonymous questionnaire about substances use. Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions between different variables on self-reported use of substances. Univariate and multivariate analyzes and logistic regression were performed. Results: Among the 402 athletes (aged 14-17) who volunteered to participate, the results showed high prevalence of alcohol (35.8%), nutritional supplements (39.1%), and tobacco (5.4%). Regarding illegal drugs and doping, 1.7% reported the use of stimulants, 2.2% illicit drugs, 0.5% anabolic steroids, and 1.7% hormones and other similar substances. Moreover, a different use of stimulants was found (especially Judo and Table tennis), medications (especially Judo and Chess) and dietary supplements (especially Swimming and Judo, with over 50% reported use). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the use of substances among young athletes is similar to the results found among adult Olympic athletes as per International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency, especially regarding the use of dietary supplements, anabolic steroids, and stimulants according to data collected by other studies. We consider that the findings of the present work indicate the need for specific efforts to monitor, prevent, and control use of substances among school athletes in big events and competitions, such as this research on doping in the Youth School Games.


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