Adverse Habits Research Articles

Smokeless tobacco- and quid-associated localized lesions of the oral cavity: A cross-sectional study from a dental institute.

There is a well-established link between the use of smokeless tobacco (ST) and the development of oral cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of tobacco use, quid use, and other adverse habits related to smoking and alcohol consumption on ST-induced localized lesions. The aim of the study was to examine the demographic data, frequency and contact duration of ST on the lesion, as well as to conduct a clinical evaluation of these parameters. A total of 13,442 patients who had been experiencing oral and dental symptoms for a period of at least 6 months were screened. Of these, 334 patients were diagnosed with STor quid-induced localized lesions and had a positive history of ST or quid use. A structured questionnaire was employed to conduct interviews with participants regarding their use of ST and other adverse habits, including smoking and alcohol consumption. Other information related to the use of ST or quid and clinical findings were also recorded, along with the patients' demographic details. A statistical analysis was carried out using the χ2 test and the regression analysis. The overall prevalence of ST-induced localized lesions was found to be 2.48%. In the study population, the majority of participants (58.7%) reported a habit of using khaini, while 26.8% reported using gutkha. The study found significant differences in the severity of ST-induced localized lesions and contact duration, frequency of the habit, and the presence of additional habits such as smoking and/or alcohol consumption. Based on this study, we proposed a modified Greer and Poulson's classification of ST-induced lesions, dividing them into 4 clinical types. Smokeless tobacco-induced localized lesions frequently remain asymptomatic, with patients unaware of their presence. Other adverse habits, including smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as increased ST contact duration were associated with the development of more severe ST-induced localized lesions.

Prevalence of Potentially Malignant Disorders in Tobacco Consuming Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among individuals in the northern population of India who have a habit of using tobacco. The study population consisted of residents over 18 years old from that specific area. Every patient included in the study had been diagnosed with OPMDs. A self-structured questionnaire was developed, which included details about the participant's socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, medical history, oral health, adverse habits, and clinical profile. Out of the entire study population, 60 patients were found to have OPMD. The prevalence rates for leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) were 3.90%, 0.10%, and 4.02%, respectively. Significant factors among all tobacco users included the type of tobacco, age group, and gender, after adjusting for baseline characteristics and risk factors. There was a significant association found between the use of smokeless tobacco and OPMDs.

The influencing factors of changes in physical activity levels of pregnant women during pregnancy: From the perspective of continuous care.

A comprehensive understanding of physical activity levels (PAL) among Chinese pregnant women and an exploration, from a continuous care perspective, of various factors influencing these activity levels. Investigating the correlations between adverse habits, psychological factors, and PAL in prenatal health management. This study aims to provide substantial guidance for prenatal health management and personalized care, offering recommendations to healthcare professionals and policymakers to enhance the overall health and well-being of pregnant women. This study enrolled 1256 pregnant women as research subjects. Baseline information was collected through a personal information collection form. Subsequently, continuous care was provided during the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, documenting the respective influencing factors. Simultaneously, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to assess the PAL of pregnant women across different trimesters. Finally, using the SPSS software version 25.0, a combined approach of generalized linear mixed effects (GLME) models and multivariate logistic regression was used to statistically analyze the collected data, comprehensively exploring the influencing factors of PAL during pregnancy. The proportion of research subjects engaged in low-level physical activity decreased from 60.80% to 40.34% across various stages of pregnancy, while the proportion engaged in moderate-level physical activity ranged from 25.32% to 40.75%. Meanwhile, the proportion engaged in high-level physical activity accounted for 13.88% to 18.91%.There was P = .021 and β = -0.276 for smoking before pregnancy. The P-value of pregnant women who smoke in the second trimester was.035, the Odds Ratio (OR) value was 0.638, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (0.406, 0.972). The difference was statistically significant (all P < .05). In China, the physical activity level of pregnant women is generally low, which is related to factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep disorders, and depression during pregnancy. Medical personnel should improve the living habits of pregnant women and enhance their PAL through measures such as health education and psychological counseling.

Awareness of Parents toward Preventive Dentistry in North Maharashtra – A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Oral health is an important component of overall health. In the initial age, primary teeth play an important role in the development of speech, chewing, maintaining space, and guiding the eruption of permanent. Dental caries, malocclusion, early childhood caries (ECC), and trauma are the main diseases of the oral cavity. Aim: Assessment of the awareness regarding preventive dental procedures among parents residing in the North Maharashtra Region. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey consisting of a questionnaire conducted on parents of children in the North Maharashtra Region with a sample size of 220. A structured questionnaire was formulated with 15 questions in English which was translated into the local language (Marathi) for better understanding of parents. The first part of the questionnaire was based on demographic data and the second part consisted of 15 multiple-choice close-ended questions. Questions regarding preventive treatment of dental caries, ECC, topical fluoride, fluoridated toothpaste, pit and fissure sealant, dental habit-breaking appliances, malocclusion, mouthguards, and space maintainers. Questions regarding adverse habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and nail-biting were also included. Results: About 57.7% of parents visited the dentist after pain. 52.7% of parents were unaware of dental caries and ECC and were not aware that dental caries is a preventable disease. Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding preventive dental procedures is found to be limited as the utilization of these procedures.

Assessment of Oral Mucosal Lesions (OML), Periodontal Health Conditions, and Unmet Dental Treatment Needs in the Rural Adult Population of Jharkhand, North India.

Background Dental diseases like caries, periodontal diseases, and oral mucosal lesions (OML) are common findings in rural adult populations that greatly impact their quality of life. Aim To assess OML, periodontal health conditions, and unmet dental treatment needs in the rural adult population in Jharkhand. Methodology A total of 700 permanent residents of Bero Block, Jharkhand, North India, in the age group of 35-44 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. Both men and women were equally represented. Their socio-demographic characteristics and previous dental visits were collected using standardized proforma. An assessment of periodontal health conditions, OML, and unmet dental treatment needs was done using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Proforma of 1997. Results It was found that over half (54.3%) of the studypopulation had the adverse habit of smoking and chewingpaan. Males were more likely to experience leukoplakia (18.87%), whereas females were more likely to experience abscesses (9.43%). The majority of males and females had a community periodontal index (CPI) score and loss of attachment (LOA) score greater than two, which indicated poor periodontal health as assessed by the periodontal index. Both males and females needed extraction of the diseased teethas their primary treatment. Conclusion The rural adult population residing in the Bero block of Jharkhand showed poor periodontal health and high unmet dental treatment needs. These people need effective oral health promotion policies and dental health education to improve their oral health.

Split protocol for next successful pregnancy after spontaneous abortions and pregnancy loss in Genetic Counselling Unit Split

Aim: Spontaneous abortion, early neonatal death and stillbirth are tragic events for the whole family. Sporadic abortion in the general population occurs at 12-15%, before the 12th weeks. The percentage increases with the age of the mother, up to 23%. Successful next pregnancy is the goal. Methods: In a retrospective analysis from 1985 to 2010, 451 couples with one or more SAs before the 16th week of pregnancy were examined at the Genetic Counselling Unit, Pediatrics Clinics, UH Split. Results: The highest number of SAs was recorded in the period 8-10th weeks of gestation. Furthermore, 69% of women and 66% of men had a positive family history (especially in a second-generation relative) for SA or sterility. Adverse habits (smoking, alcohol consumption) and exposure to pollutants and / or teratogens (chemicals, exposure to excessive heat or cold) did not affect the incidence of SA. Examination of serological signs (IgM + and EA +) in the presence of reactivation of infection with viruses most commonly revealed reactivation to viruses of the genus herpes viride such as HSV1, CMV and EBV, more often in women. Sideropenia or anemia with very low ferritin values ​​were found in 40% of tested women. Conclusion: The theory of “two hits” (multifactorial inheritance) is still in the basis of SA. Under these circumstances, it is possible to achieve a normal pregnancy as needed with prenatal or preimplantation diagnostics. If there is a need for assisted fertilisation, the same procedure should be followed.

Comparison of salivary flow rate and pH between healthy subjects and tobacco and areca nut chewers.

Tobacco and areca nuts release carcinogens, which cause alterations in saliva. Evaluation of these changes through estimation of salivary flow rate and pH was performed in tobacco and areca nut chewers and apparently healthy subjects. The study group for this comparative study comprised 60 subjects with 20 areca nut chewers (group 1), 20 tobacco chewers (group 2), and 20 non-tobacco and areca nut chewers (group 3) in the ages between 18 and 75 years. After collection of saliva from each subject, the salivary flow rate (SFR) was measured by using graduated tubes, whereas salivary pH was measured using a digital salivary pH meter. Tukey HSD post hoc test was performed for comparison of mean SFR and mean pH between study group subjects. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to find the mean difference in SFR and pH in duration, intensity, and frequency among various types of areca nut and tobacco users. A "P" value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The mean age among groups 1, 2, and 3 was 37.70 ± 10.44, 39.75 ± 10.16, and 37.90 ± 10.52 years, respectively, with a statistically insignificant difference. The mean salivary flow rate (ml/20 min) was maximum in group 3 (13.23), followed by group 2 (11.75) and group 1 (10.48), with the statistically significant difference as P < 0.05. The mean salivary pH was maximum in group 3 (7.07), followed by group 2 (6.86) and group 1 (6.49), with the statistically significant difference as P < 0.05. Long-term use of tobacco and areca nuts in a chewable form can significantly reduce the salivary flow rate and salivary pH. Hence, these measurements can be used as chair side, non-invasive measures for assessing pathological changes in oral mucosa linked to vulnerable effects among people addicted to these adverse habits; thereby, early re-organization can prevent mobility and mortality.

Prevalence and factors associated with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: An institutional study.

Incidence & prevalence of OPMDs & OSCC is increasing day by day, thereby escalating the burden of oral cancer in India. Oral cancer ranks in the top three of all cancers in India and is quickly becoming a health priority. This study aims to assess prevalence and associated factors of OPMDs and OSCC in patients attending dental OPD and its association with age, gender, habit (type & duration), clinical presentation and site of involvement. A prospectively 12 months study was conducted in the outpatient department. Patient's data whether suspected or proven cases of OPMDs & OSCC and fits in clinical criteria were reviewed and analysed for demographic data, oral adverse habit, clinical presentation and site of involvement. Overall 38,588 patient's data were analysed for 12 month time duration. Out of this 552 (1.43%) cases of OPMDs and 58 (0.15%) cases of OSCC were reported. Out of 552 maximum patients were reported with OSMF (34.4%), followed by other lesions and minimum with LP (7.9%). Age group most commonly affected was above 45 years (44.9%) of age. Males (81.1%) were affected more than females. OPMDs (92%) and OSCC (96.5%) were mostly associated with smokeless or smoking form of tobacco. Present study evaluated the prevalence rates and associated factors of OPMDs & OSCC, which is beneficial for general practitioner in early diagnosis, formulating better treatment plan and to educate general population about risk factors, early signs and symptoms of these lesions.

Occupational Health Problems Among Tobacco Processing Factory Workers, at Kheda District Gujarat: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Tobacco use is a major public health problem globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is the second most important cause of death in the world. It is currently estimated to be responsible for about 5 million deaths each year worldwide. In India, it is responsible for over 8 lakh deaths every year. Tobacco use is one of the most important preventable causes of disease and death globally.Aims of study: To determine the occupational health hazard of tobacco workers.Objectives:1. To explore the various types of occupational health hazards among factory workers.2. To determine the occupational health problems among tobacco factory workers.Methodology: The researcher has adopted quantitative non experimental research approach. A cross-sectional study was carried among 50 tobacco factory workers in Kheda District Gujarat. The tobacco factory workers who fulfil the inclusion criteria were selected as a sample for the study and sample size was 50, Non-Probability purposive sampling technique was used. The data was collected using a questionnaire and performing a clinical examination. The questionnaire gathered information on demographic factors and adverse habits of the study subjects. The subjects were clinically examined to assess their respiratory health status using lungs function test. Prevalence of tobacco chewing and/or bidi and cigarette smoking, and their socio-demographic correlates, were examined. Collected data were analysed using SPSS statistics software.Results: Majority of the workers in the tobacco factory had tobacco chewing habits (44%) than smoking (2%) and alcohol drinking (38%). Majority of the workers in the tobacco factory workers belongs to 19-25 years (34%), regards to gender(68%) were male, regards to educational status (60%) were illiterate, Monthly income in rupees (56%) has 5000-10000 INR. Majority of workers had normal BMI (72%). Due to working in the tobacco factory (34%) have respiratory problem tachypnoea. (84%) of workers were having cough problem. (32%) of workers are having Runny and Stiffy nose. (42%) of workers are having Itching in eyes. (44%) of workers are having Skin rash.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study attempted to assess the health problems among tobacco factory workers. Study result revealed that tobacco factory hazard had a great effect on the tobacco workers, so it should be halted/minimized at an acceptable level. The “Tobacco Control Law” in the country should be enforced strictly so that the owner of the factory maintain healthy environment for the workers to prevent or reduce the occupational health hazards at an acceptable level.

Used Toothbrush as a Potential Source of Gene Expression Among Subjects With Systemic Disease and Adverse Habits.

Purpose To explore the viability of used toothbrush as a source of gene expression and comparison of the same among tobacco, alcohol, diabetic and hypertensive subjects. Materials and methods Fourteen subjects with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension were allocated to Group I, 14 subjects with tobacco and alcohol habits allocated to Group II and 14 healthy subjects allocated to Group III. Genetic materials retrieved from the used toothbrush of the study subjects were assessed for genetic expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), Bcl-2-like protein 4 (BAX), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), G-protein beta-3 (GNB3), and subunit gene and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results BAX gene showed reduced expression in tobacco and alcohol users (p=0.0497). BCL2, CDK4, and GNB3 showed no significant difference in expression in both the groups and with control. CDKN2A was expressed at a lower level in Group I and II participants. TCF7L2 showed higher expression in Group 2 participants (p=0.001). Conclusion The study concluded that used toothbrush is a reliable source for genetic expression. There was no difference in BCL2, CDK4, and GNB3 gene expression between subjects with systemic disease, adverse habits and healthy controls. There is a downregulation of BAX and upregulation of TCF7L2 gene in subjects with adverse habits.

Prevalence of Oral mucosal lesion in patients with Tobacco related habits among Chidambaram population – A Cross-sectional study

Introduction: Tobacco has been traditionally used in many parts of India which was known to be associated with many oral mucosal lesions which has higher chance for morbidity and mortality. A cross sectional study was conducted in Chidambaram population to find the prevalence of oral mucosal lesion in association with tobacco and alcohol related habits. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 2246 participants from in and around Chidambaram who attended the outpatient department, during the period of 2months (December 2019 to January 2020). Data collected using questionnaire adapted from global adult tobacco survey questionnaire followed by oral examination. Result: Among the 2246, 161 participants has the habit of using smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption. This study has the predominance of participants who have combination habits such as smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption. Among the participants with oral mucosal lesion leukoplakia has higher predominance followed by tobacco pouch keratosis and smoker’s palate. Most of the lesions were present in the buccal mucosa. Conclusion: Prevalence of premalignant lesions in association with adverse habits was significant in our study. This shows necessity for early diagnosis and Awareness should be created to the public through anti-tobacco campaign by the government and private agencies. Tobacco cessation clinics should be opened in all primary health care centre and more knowledge should be created about premalignant lesion to prevent the morbidity and mortality rate.

A prospective study on prevalence of intradialytic complications and its management in the department of nephrology of tertiary care multispeciality teaching hospital

Backround: Renal dysfunction has been more common during the last two decades, with an estimated 11-13 % prevalence. Hemodialysis is one of the most widely utilized medical procedures globally, with over two million patients undergoing regular hemodialysis yearly. Intradialytic complications are critical since they affect patients' quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. Therefore, it is important to monitor hemodialysis patients for complications during dialysis and understand the management strategy for various intradialytic complications. Methodology: prospective observational study conducted for the period of six months. Irespective of gender, age between 18-85 years with selected co-morbidities included in the study. Patients general demographic data, Personal history including adverse habits, occupation, food habits, also collected. All the collected data were evaluated with Microsoft Excel 2010, SPSS (v26.0), and GraphPad Prism software (V.8.2.0). Chi-Square test was utilized to determine the association between variables. Results: out of 245 patients, 30 (12.24 %) patients had intradialytic complications where 20 (66.67%) of them were male, and 10 (33.34%) were female. intradialytic complications like hypertension (HTN), Hypotension, Vomiting, Headache, shortness of breath were commonly found. Fever and vomiting were also present.

Is periodontal disease a risk factor for oral cancer?

Aim This study aimed to investigate periodontal disease as a non-genetic risk factor for oral cancer.Design Case-control study.Patient population Two hundred patients, regardless of periodontal and adverse habits (smoking and alcohol) status, in the age group of 18-90 years were included in this institutional study. One hundred patients with histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were included in the case group, while the control group had 100 patients without any oral cancer.Methods Multivariable examination to obtain socioeconomic and lifestyle risk factors was performed with a questionnaire for both the groups and compared statistically. Additionally, oral status (periodontal stage, clinical attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth, bleeding on probing, Silness-Loe plaque index, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT] index) of both the groups was recorded and compared statistically.Results A significant correlation was found between age, gender and development of oral cancer. There was a significant co-relation between alcohol intake and oral cancer development. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between smoking habits and passive smoking with oral cancer development in the case group. Overall, 72.1% of case group patients had Stage 4 periodontitis, whereas 51.6% of control group patients had Stage 2 periodontitis. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of oral cancer and the stage of periodontitis.Conclusion The findings of the study support the hypothesis that periodontitis is an independent risk factor for oral cancer.

Effect of personal habits on bone mineral density among adults using orthopantomogram indices as a screening tool for osteoporosis

Background: Effect of tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol consumption (vices) on orthopantomogram (OPG) indices. Aims: To assess the relationship between vices on OPG indices in Indian adult males aged 20–60 years. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 172 males with a mean age of 34.2 ± 1 years. OPG was used for measuring mandibular indices and correlated with the history of the presence of vices. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were presented as mean ± SE or frequency (%). Point biserial correlation was used to assess the correlation between OPG indices and vices. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the differences in age-adjusted OPG indices between males who had vices against males who had no vice. Results: Overall, 21.5% of the males had at least one vice. A significant decrease in antegonial index (AI) values (P < 0.05) was found between tobacco and alcohol consumption. There was a significant decrease in the values of the gonial index (GI) and AI, having at least one vice (P < 0.05). A higher percentage of participants who had at least one adverse habit had low OPG indices score than participants who had no such habits. Conclusions: Orthopantomogram indices specifically AI were negatively affected in males who had vices.

Tobacco habit abstinence through behavioral counseling among transgender persons of pune district: A quasi-experimental design

Background: Transgender population are a high-risk group in the community, as their oral health gets neglected due to the stigma associated with them. Since it is an impediment to obtain oral care services, a group of such persons were identified with an intention of examining them orally and providing basic oral treatment. Aim: To identify a cohort of transgender persons using tobacco product and provide group behavioral counseling for cessation of their habit. Materials and Methods: A total of five locations wherein transgender persons were residing were identified. Demographic details of the participants such as age, education status, and occupation were recorded. The tobacco product use details regarding frequency, duration of use, and form of tobacco were documented. The identified tobacco users were provided with behavioral tobacco cessation counseling. Follow-up was done every month for 6 months and at 18th month through self-reported abstinence and urine cotinine test at 6th month. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of numbers and percentages and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (Mid-P) were provided using WinPepi PORTAL. Results: A total of 52 transgender persons aged 18–58 years were identified. Tobacco product use was identified in 73%, out of which 13% smoked tobacco, 84% chewed tobacco, while 2% smoked and chewed both. Postintervention at 6th month, 21% (CI: 0.10–0.36) abstained from the habit of tobacco product use, which was self-reported and 7% (CI: 0.02–0.20) was validated with urine cotinine. By the 18th month, 15% (CI: 0.06–0.29) had self-reported abstinence. Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco consumption was high among transgender population. Tobacco cessation program helped in quitting the adverse habit in 15% of the population. Cessation programs supplemented with nicotine replacement therapy use in this marginalized section of the society would help achieve a better abstinence.

Effect of nutrition intervention on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome at Kon Tum General Hospital, Vietnam

Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is a global problem today and tends to increase, it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and leading to death. Intervention to change lifestyle and eating habits is a good measure to improve the status of metabolic syndrome. We studied on 1039 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, selected 226 patients for follow-up with interventional therapy combined with lifestyle behavior modification communication, and evaluated the effectiveness after 6 months. The rate of patients with Mets in males was 12.7%, females was 9.05%, the overall prevalence of Mets was 21.75%, the rate of Mets tends to increase with age. After the intervention, the indicators to evaluate Mets all changed in a good direction. The rate of adverse habits decreased statistically significantly compared to before the intervention. The highest efficiency index was the reduction in the proportion of people who were sedentary (64.29%), followed by the reduction in the rate of salty and fatty foods. The habits of smoking, drinking alcohol decreased slightly. The highest efficiency index was the reduction in the proportion of people with hypertension (50.28%), followed by a reduction in people with low HDL-C (35.34%). However, the percentage of waist circumference reduction has not been statistically significant. The reduction rate of Mets was 25.66%. These findings provides objective evidences for dietary and physical activity management on metabolic syndrome as an efficient intervention.

Epidemiological factors associated with colorectal cancer in north-east India: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study

Background/Aim: Identifying the epidemiological factors associated with the causation and development of colorectal cancer may help gain a better understanding of the disease to assist in screening and assessing the prognosis. This study aimed to determine and analyze the clinical-epidemiological profile of colorectal cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital on 138 colorectal cancer patients for 1.6 years (June 2017 to December 2018). The participants were examined clinically, and detailed history regarding demographic features, adverse habits, occupation, and family history was taken using a structured pro forma. The tumor stage and site of cancer were considered the primary outcomes. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out using coGuide software, V.1.03, and the P-value was set at

It's not all about the likes: Social media affordances with nighttime, problematic, and adverse use as predictors of adolescent sleep indicators

ObjectivesAdolescents are the most prominent users of social media, and their exposure to different contents, platforms, and types of use continues to develop. At the same time, sleep deprivation is on the rise, which may contribute to worsened health. Therefore, this cross-sectional study set out to examine the relationships among several social media affordances, habits of use, and sleep indicators in adolescents. MethodsStudents ages 12-18 from a high school on Long Island, New York (N = 410) participated in an anonymous online survey focusing on various aspects of social media use as well as major sleep indicators (sleep displacement, presleep arousal, sleep quality, fatigue). ResultsSnapchat was the only platform to predict a worsened sleep indicator (later bedtime) and it correlated with problematic, adverse, and nighttime use, possibly due to closer relationships among users. More viewing of posts of sports, friends, and family predicted better sleep. Additionally, nighttime social media use, problematic social media use, and adverse social media use each predicted at least one worsened sleep indicator in a hierarchical regression model. ConclusionsAlthough some implications were positive, results provided insight into the cons of social media use. This study provides evidence that in order to understand the role of social media in the sleep-wake process, one must look at the specific affordances each platform provides and the different nighttime, problematic, and adverse habits of use that can arise. Documenting the variety of media use behaviors, however, introduces a considerable multiple testing threat to this research area.

Evaluation of Age of Earning and Starting of Adverse Habit in Patients Visiting to Dental Hospital

Background: Habit of tobacco consumption is a known etiologic factor in the development of oral precancer and cancer. Exploring the age at which a person starts earning and starts adverse habit is vital. Materials and Methods: Healthy 120 controls, who were not having oral cancer, oral precancer and had no history of any major illness in the past were recruited for the study. The patient, were briefed about the study and a thorough case history was taken including demographic details and adverse habit. Results: Ninety-four (78.33%) were male and 26 (21.66%) were female. All the individuals studied were between the age group of 24–70 years and the mean age was 49.6 ± 10.3 years. Mean age of starting working was 18.37 ± 2.16 years, mean age of starting habit was 22.99 ± 3.86 years. Mean frequency and duration of habit was 5.00 ± 1.9958 was 25.75 ± 11.28 years, respectively. Data were subjected to Pearson correlation test, the r value was 0.252, P = 0.006 which showed the positive correlation between age of starting working and the mean age of starting habit. Conclusions: Evaluating various types of adverse habits in each and every patient visiting to dental clinic is of utmost importance. Exploring the habit of snuff/gul/gudakhu for cleaning teeth is important and the clinician should be alert and aware to this insidious aspect of tobacco use. The precancerous lesions and conditions are the preventable aspect of the tobacco disease spectrum. It provides an opportunity for early detection and thus helps in the prevention of malignant transformation.

Factors associated with the nutritional status of the older population in a selected area of Dhaka, Bangladesh

BackgroundGlobally, older population (aged ≥60 years) comprise 11% of the total population, and 23% of them are malnourished. Lack of knowledge and education, adverse dietary habits, depression or psychological disorders, poor oral and dental health, disability, and diseases are the reported factors responsible for malnutrition among them. Geriatric people comprise 7.5% of the total population of Bangladesh, and almost a quarter are malnourished. But there is scarce data on the factors associated with the nutritional status of the older population in Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 older individuals (male 59, female 66) living in three villages of Uttarkhan, Dhaka, Bangladesh, to identify the factors associated with their nutritional status. The Mini Nutritional Assessment scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index were used for assessing the nutritional status, mental health status, and oral health quality of the respondents, respectively. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities and dietary factors, and food behaviors were gathered by a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 67.9 ± 7.1 years. Most of them (53.6%) had no formal education. Among the respondents, 22.0% male and 28.8% female were malnourished. The proportion of malnourished and at risk of malnutrition among the respondents living without a partner were 28.6 and 65.3%, respectively. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher odds of having depression (OR 15.6; 95% CI 3.1–78.1), poor oral health (OR 7.3; 95% CI 1.3–41.8), and no formal education (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.3–32.1) was observed among the malnourished respondents. Though it was not statistically significant, among the malnourished, 31.3, 25.0 and 25.0% avoided highly oily food, beef/mutton, and sugary food, respectively.ConclusionsMore than two-thirds of the older population were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, where the female respondents were more vulnerable. Depression, inadequate oral health, and lack of education were negatively associated with the nutritional status of the older population.